Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister, expressed concern over reports that some Kisan Mandis in the state have been refusing to buy paddy from the farmers, and on Monday she ordered the OC in question to act right away and told the enraged farmers to file a FIR at their local police station if this happens.
Banerjee spoke at an event on Monday in East Burdwan where the Krishak Bandhu (New) scheme's benefits were extended to 89 lakh farmers around the state. A total of Rs 2,385 crore was deposited to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
"Fund has been transferred to 79 lakh farmers' bank accounts around the state as I hit this button. This Kharif season, the advantage is being extended "added Banerjee.
Regarding the existing district magistrate, the local Panchayat, and the officials from the cold storage facility, Banerjee said: "I've heard accusations that some Kisan Mandis won't buy paddy from the farmers and are pressuring them to come back by making up various justifications. Anyone who finds themselves in such a circumstance should notify the BDO and file a FIR at the nearest police station. The OC in question needs to act right away. It should be made sure that no farmer is turned away from Kisan Mandis "Added Banerjee.
Any official who refuses to accept responsibility for this matter from the district administration and the police will not be allowed to hold that position any longer.
In the state, there are 186 Kisan Mandis, of which 130 are operational. Banerjee further criticised the government for not buying paddy from Bengal despite the fact that the state produced 253 lakh metric tonnes of it. "We don't even sell a single metric tonne of paddy to the Centre. However, it does so from some other states with significantly lower productivity "She persisted.
In order to help the Asha workers and ICDS employees perform their jobs more effectively, Banerjee further announced that she would be giving them smartphones worth Rs 8000.
She continued, "This action has been made to commend the efforts of the Asha and ICDS employees.
She emphasised that Bengali farmers now make three times as much money and receive fair compensation for their goods.
The state government launched the Krishak Bandhu (New) scheme on June 17 just one month after taking office for the third time in a row in 2021, guaranteeing that farmers will now receive increased financial support from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for one acre or more of cultivable land and those having less than one acre will receive a minimum of Rs 4,000 per annum in two phases. A farmer could only receive Rs 6,000 per year under the scheme in the past.
