VIDARBHA FARMERS SUICIDE-9422108846

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REVENUE AND FORESTS DEPARTMENT
(Relief and Rehabilitation Wing)
Farmers’ Packages
OVERVIEW
Maharashtra has the highest area under cotton cultivation in India. In the
State cotton crop failed more than once in the last four years. This along with
other causes of agrarian distress contributed to suicides of farmers in the
Region and six districts were worst affected. For alleviating agrarian distress
and preventing farmers’ suicides in the six suicide-prone districts,
Government of Maharashtra declared a comprehensive package of
Rs 1075 crore in December 2005, comprised of long term and short term
measures. Government of India (GOI) also declared a special rehabilitation
package of Rs 3750 crore in July 2006.
In June 2006, a survey of all farmers in the area was carried out by the
Revenue Department, declaring 13.48 lakh farmers (out of total 17.64 lakh)
under distress. However, the information was not shared with other line
departments for identification of beneficiaries while implementing the
packages.
Seven components included in the packages were also available beyond the six
suicide prone districts. Some of the components had design deficiencies /
uncovered areas which adversely impacted their effectiveness. GOI Package
declared was overstated to the extent of Rs 239 crore. The reliability of data
was doubtful.
Implementation of short term measures, aimed at providing immediate relief
to the farmers in distress, was saddled with delays in payment of the
assistance. While reimbursing banks for interest waived on loans, sanction of
fresh loans was not ensured. In suicide cases, instances of delayed ex-gratia
payments were noticed. Government declared that the farmers who obtained
loans from illegal money lenders have to treat themselves free from loans.
This did not materialise and the farmers could not get the benefit consequent
on passing of hon’ble High Court decision.
Amount allotted to the components for long term direct benefits was meager.
As a result, large a number of farmers in distress were not covered by these
components. Components implemented by the line departments suffered due to
late release of funds, change in the implementing agency, submission of
proposals of non-feasible projects, etc. Creating irrigation potential of 1.60
lakh hectares as envisaged appears difficult. Despite availability of funds
there was short supply of seeds to farmers due to incorrect estimation.
No evaluation of the implementation of the packages, in terms of reduction in
agrarian distress, was made.
Overview
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Out of 14 components of GOM package (Rs 1075 crore) four components
involving allocation of Rs 564 crore were not specific for the six suicide
prone districts and were being implemented in all the districts of the
State. There was incorrect accounting of expenditure.
(Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.4)
GOI package was overstated by Rs 239 crore. Some of the components
had design deficiencies.
(Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2)
Base line data obtained by door to door survey conducted by the Revenue
Department to ascertain level of distress amongst the farmers was not
shared with other departments/ implementing agencies for identification
of beneficiaries under various components.
(Paragraph 2.3)
Though interest waiver was claimed by the banks in 9.29 lakh cases, in
4.45 lakh cases (48 per cent) fresh loans were not given. Nationalised
banks and Co-operative banks wrongly waived interest of Rs 28.95 crore.
(Paragraphs 3.1 and 3.1.2)
No expenditure was incurred on ‘Ban on illegal money lending’. ERA
survey showed that 75 per cent respondents (farmers) were unaware of
the relief extended under the component. Farmers did not get this benefit
consequent on Hon’ble High Court decision and restraining authorities
concerned from passing any orders.
(Paragraphs 3.3 and 3.3.1)
Total area reported by Collectors for payment of compensation was in
excess of the area cultivated as estimated by Maharashtra Remote
Sensing Application Centre and indicated in crop cultivation report.
Excess payment made due to variations in the area was Rs 9.56 crore.
(Paragraph 3.4)
There were delays ranging from 10 to 323 days in payment of immediate
relief assistance in suicide cases.
(Paragraph 3.5.1)
Taluka Agriculture Officer (TAO), Karanja made payment to 349
farmers through cheques for purchase of bullocks against the targets of
110 beneficiaries. Nine cheques were dishonoured for want of sufficient
balance in the bank.
(Paragraph 4.1.2)
Overview
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Interest of Rs 14.52 lakh earned on the deposits was not accounted for in
the accounts as of March 2007 by MLDB. Assistance was extended to 105
Self Help Groups in excess of the admissible norms, resulting in excess
payment of Rs 1.07 crore.
(Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.2.1)
Proposals for 185 minor irrigation projects were rejected by NABARD on
the ground of being technically unfeasible and economically unviable. But
the same were being taken up for execution through State funds which
would amount to risking investment with potential failures.
(Paragraph 4.4.2)
Due to incorrect estimation of requirement of seeds, there was short
supply of 53,000 quintals (63 per cent) during 2006-07 and requirement of
major seeds for the year 2008-09 was not even projected.
(Paragraph 4.5.2)
Out of Rs 97 crore released by GOM for Vidarbha Panlot Mission
between February 2006 and February 2007, an amount of Rs 17.04 crore
only was spent as of March 2007.
(Paragraph 4.7)
No reliable data relating to expenditure under different components of
the packages was available. No evaluation of the implementation of the
packages, in terms of reduction in agrarian distress, was made.
(Paragraphs 5.1 to 5.3)