UP fixes Rs 1,500 as minimum amount for rain-hit farmers

Lucknow, Apr 13: Amid reports that paltry sums were doled out to some farmers hit by untimely rains, Uttar Pradesh government on Monday fixed Rs 1,500 as the minimum amount to be paid to the aggrieved agriculturists.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan took a review meeting today and directed senior official that none of the affected farmers be provided cheques of less that Rs 1500, an official release issued here said. [Akhilesh Govt distributes compensation cheques of Rs 75 to Rs 330 to farmers]

There have been reports in media that in some districts, the affected farmers have been presented cheques of meagre amount.

In Faizabad district's Rudauli area, Mohammad Shahid reportedly received a cheque of Rs 63 for his crop losses in 3 bhigas of land.

Warning that laxity will not be tolerated, Ranjan said that the concerned district magistrate will be held directly responsible for it and senior administrative officials will also be punished for it.

Ranjan directed that district magistrates of affected areas not be granted leaves and in case any of them has proceeded on it, new official be posted there soon. [UP: More than 30 farmers die due to crop loss]

"As per the chief minister's orders, the relief of Rs five lakhs be provided in case of untimely death of poor farmer," the release said.

Ranjan said that though the central government has assured of providing funds for extending help at the rate of Rs 13,500 per hectare for irrigated land, the state government has instructed that Rs 18,000 should be extended to farmers.

The chief secretary directed that farmers should be apprised about the help being provided by banks besides disbursing 25 per cent of agriculture insurance promptly for quick relief.

The chief secretary also said that letters have been sent to the Union Finance Secretary and RBI Governor asking them to instruct banks to also go by the new norms of 33 per cent crop loss while assessing losses.

PTI