Editor,
I’m writing to highlight the matter of misutilization of funds allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to the newly created Siang district. A substantial amount, running into crores of rupees, was sanctioned for projects under the PMKSY, but the funds were allegedly siphoned off by the district rural development department.
The modus operandi is to geo-tag old, dilapidated tanks and existing irrigation channels from the ’90s, create proxy farmers and beneficiaries, and then demand a share from these fake beneficiaries after making payments through the direct benefit transfer mode. This has resulted in genuine farmers being deprived of benefits from farmer-oriented schemes and projects.
For context, the PMKSY is a centrally-sponsored scheme launched in 2015-’16 to enhance physical access to water on farms, expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, and promote sustainable water conservation practices. The rural development department implements the watershed development component of the PMKSY.
I request you to publish this, so that the matter may come to light and reach the ears of the competent authority, and so that action is taken against the perpetrators.
Tajong Talom,
Pangin, Siang district