The Jharkhand government has taken swift action to investigate the alleged misuse of farmers' Aadhaar cards in parts of the state. The issue came to light when farmers from various blocks reported that their Aadhaar cards had been misused or that they were unknowingly enrolled in the Centre's micro-irrigation scheme called "Per Drop More Crops."
In response to these claims, Jharkhand's Agriculture Minister, Badal Patralekh, announced the formation of a high-level probe committee to investigate the matter. The four-member committee, led by the Hazaribag sub-divisional officer, will thoroughly examine the reported cases of irregularities, particularly in districts where the maximum number of such incidents were reported. Patralekh emphasized that if any anomalies are found, strict action will be taken against those responsible.
According to farmers, micro-irrigation equipment was dumped on their farms without their knowledge or consent, even though they had not applied for the scheme. They allege that certain companies, enlisted to implement the program, misused their Aadhaar cards to fraudulently include them in the beneficiary list and collected money in their names. Under the "Per Drop More Crops" scheme, farmers are required to contribute 10 percent of the equipment cost, while the remaining expenses are shared by the Centre and the state government.
Aboobacker Siddique, Jharkhand's Agriculture Secretary, reassured farmers that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and strict action would be taken against any guilty parties. Siddique clarified that all processes to avail benefits under the scheme are carried out online. Farmers must first apply with details such as their land information, which is then verified and approved. Empanelled agencies authorized to provide micro-irrigation services approach the farmers, and after a third-party verification, the subsidy amount is released.
Siddique pointed out that different companies are empanelled for different districts to provide micro-irrigation services, including the installation of units and equipment. He also questioned how a third-party verification process could certify applications submitted by middlemen or agents misusing farmers' details, including their land or Aadhaar information, without proper verification.
It is important to note that the responsibility for the final verification lies with a third party hired by NABARD's consultancy NABCONS, not the state government. Siddique expressed confidence that once the investigation is completed, all aspects of the case will be clarified.
