Officials asked why amount not deposited in accounts of farm families in suicide cases

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre addresses improper compensation distribution to farmers' families, directs officials to resolve issues promptly.

Taking serious note of improper distribution of compensation to families of farmers who committed suicide owing to agrarian distress, Forest Minister and Bidar in-charge Eshwar Khandre has asked why compensation amount has not been deposited to the bank accounts of the family members of the deceased farmers even though cheques have already been distributed.

He was chairing a Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting at the Zilla Panchayat Conference Hall in Bidar on Wednesday.

“Compensation cheques have been distributed to beneficiaries but the money has not been credited to their bank accounts yet. The officials of the Revenue and Agriculture departments must take such issues seriously and resolve them. You must ensure that spouses of the deceased farmers get ₹2,000 a month on time. You must ensure that the children of the deceased farmers get free education,” Mr. Khandre said and directed the Assistant Commissioner to submit a report on the issue.

Stressing on preventive measures, Mr. Khandre directed banks not to pressure farmers in distress to repay farm loans. He asked the Agriculture and Horticulture departments to see that all development and welfare programmes meant for the farming community reached the intended beneficiaries without any hindrance.

“GESCOM officials should provide quality three-phase electricity to farmers pumpsets for seven hours during the day,” he said.

During the review of crop loss in the district, Mr. Khandre told the meeting that Bidar district suffered a loss of crops on 17,460 hectares in the monsoon rain and the government announced a compensation of ₹13,76 crore, of which ₹10 crore have already been released, to be distributed among the affected farmers.

“The district received good rainfall this year. Rain also destroyed standing crops in some places. The government has already released ₹10 crore and it will shortly release another ₹3.78 crore. The amount will directly be deposited to the bank accounts of 15,000 affected farmers,” he said.