Western Odisha farmers lock RDC office over non-payment of dues

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Sambalpur, Sep 22:

Thousands of farmers from 10 western Odisha districts today staged a massive demonstration in front of the office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC)-Northern here and locked its gates to pressurize the government to fulfill its five-point charter of demands.

Farmers under the banner of Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS) shouting slogans and holding placards demanded not to make Aadhaar Card mandatory for selling paddy, provision of input subsidy, drought assistance of Rs 100 per quintal of harvested paddy to farmers and provision of crop insurance amount to affected farmers.

“The government is totally silent on the payment of crop insurance amount to affected farmers. Similarly, the government is also silent on the Chief Minister’s announcement to extend assistance of Rs 100 per quintal of paddy harvested to farmers in drought-affected areas. Moreover, only some farmers have received input subsidy, while some have not in the affected areas,” said Lingaraj, farmer leader.

“The saddest thing is that government officers are saying that all our demands are genuine. Okay, we accept that but wonder why is the government reluctant to make an announcement on this,” Ashok Kumar Pradhan, convener POKSSS.

The POKS warned to intensify its stir in the event of government failing to fulfill its demands.