Assam orders inquiry into allegations of irregularities in implementation of PM-KISAN scheme

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday ordered inquiry into the allegations of irregularities in implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
Additional Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua has been entrusted with the responsibility to probe into the preparation of faulty beneficiary list and submit his report within one month.

In view of allegations about the implementation of the scheme, the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts have been directed to verify the genuineness of beneficiary lists, correctness of eligibility of beneficiaries, authentication of bank account details and check duplicity in data entry etc. The DCs have been instructed to validate the village wise beneficiary list through circle officers, lot mandals and gaonburhas within one month.

DCs have also been directed to stop further release of payments under the scheme till the preparation of correct beneficiary list with authenticated bank accounts after deletion of doubtful entries.

The PM-KISAN is a centrally funded scheme that proposes to provide an income support of Rs 6,000 per year to all farmer families across the country in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each in every four months.

Sonowal also interacted with Block Development Officers across the State in presence of Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers of Zila Parishad and District Development Commissioners in Guwahati.

The Chief Minister stressed on the need to focus on providing job opportunities to migrants workers hailing from Assam who have returned the State recently during the video conference.

Stating that the Panchayat & Rural Development department could be the biggest contributor in strengthening rural economy, the Chief Minister asked the BDOs to carry out schemes which would create assets in society and provide job opportunities to the youth who have returned to their villages with avenues for income generation in future.

Further directing to complete all schemes which are being implemented under 14th Finance Commission within next three months, the Chief Minister instructed the BDOs to submit progress report of all works to Deputy Commissioners in every ten days so that same could be reviewed for necessary interventions to ensure timely completion.

The Chief Minister also directed the DCs to identify skills of the migrant workers who have returned to their respective districts and engage them in schemes suitable to their capabilities. He also asked the DCs to take steps for settlement of all land related disputes for expeditiously carrying out PMAY and MGNREGA works, besides evaluating utility of assets that have already been created under different schemes of P&RD department.