MLA Kadu, supporters gherao babu over delay in subsidy release

Achalpur MLA Bacchu Kadu along with his supporters today gheraoed additional secretary of agriculture department Vijay Kumar demanding early release of subsidy for implementing micro-irrigation projects in Amravati division.
Kadu, an independent MLA from Achalpur segment in Amravati district of Vidarbha region, claimed that Rs 250 crore in the form of subsidy to be given to farmers for implementing micro-irrigation measures at their farms is yet to be disbursed.
"The funds are stuck up due to middle level agriculture officers. The state government has already sanctioned the amount at its level but further distribution in Amravati division has not taken place," Kadu pointed out.

The MLA entered Kumar's office along with his supporters and said they would not leave the office unless strong steps were taken for release of the funds.
"Despite the chief minister, finance minister and agriculture minister hailing from Vidarbha region. The farmers continue to be neglected by bureaucracy in such schemes," Kadu said.
The agitation on the fifth floor of Mantralaya created panic for some time as farmers indulged in slogan shouting in support of their demands.
Asked about Kadu's agitation, agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar said, "Many farmers have deployed the set of micro-irrigation without permission from agriculture officers. The union government sponsored Vidarbha Sadhan Sinchan Scheme is now closed."

He said, "The state government will try to seek some funds for farmers, but we will have to wait for it to be received from the Centre.