Assam Congress Raises Concerns Over Dairy Farming Scheme Irregularities

Allegations of Irregularities in Dairy Farming Initiative

On Saturday, the Congress party in Assam sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging significant irregularities within a state-supported dairy farming initiative.

Gaurav Gogoi, the head of Assam Congress, expressed deep concerns regarding the Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming scheme in his correspondence with Modi.

This initiative provides financial support and assistance in obtaining bank loans for individuals looking to establish or expand commercial dairy operations, funded by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam.

However, Gogoi claimed that many recipients of this aid seem to be relatives or associates of state ministers and MLAs.

He further noted that experienced dairy farmers, especially in regions like Bongaigaon, have been overlooked despite meeting eligibility criteria and applying multiple times.

Gogoi emphasized that the exclusion of seasoned dairy entrepreneurs raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

He criticized Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, for justifying the inclusion of ministers' relatives in the beneficiary list, which he described as an endorsement of political favoritism that has sparked public outrage.

Gogoi characterized these alleged irregularities as a serious violation of ethical governance and the rule of law.

Additionally, he expressed concerns regarding the Gorukhuti agricultural project, initiated in 2021 to enhance agricultural development and self-sufficiency through modern farming techniques across 77,000 bighas in Sipajhar, which included acquiring high-yield Gir cows from Gujarat.

According to Gogoi, official records indicate that these cows were allocated to various elected officials, including a firm owned by the wife of state minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, as well as legislators Bhupen Pegu, Utpal Borah, and Diganta Kalita, along with MP Dilip Saikia.

He argued that the misallocation of resources and livestock, supported by over Rs 5.5 crore in public funds, undermines the objectives of government programs aimed at fostering inclusive development, violating principles of transparency and equitable access.

Gogoi urged the Prime Minister to initiate an investigation into these matters.

In September 2021, over 1,000 families, primarily Bengali-origin Muslims, were evicted from Dhalpur in Assam’s Darrang district to facilitate the Gorukhuti project, leading to protests that resulted in two fatalities.

Chief Minister Responds to Allegations

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Denies Wrongdoing

In light of the allegations, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refuted any claims of misconduct, stating that the Gir cows had begun to perish due to climate incompatibility, as reported by a local media outlet.

BJP MLA Padma Hazarika, who oversaw the project, had urged private individuals to purchase the cattle due to a lack of buyers and the risk of further losses, according to Sarma. “We should thank them for buying,” he remarked. “Otherwise, there were no takers for these sick cattle.”

The Chief Minister also accused the media of sensationalizing the issue, comparing it to a “cattle auction,” and claimed that they were neglecting more pressing matters, such as illegal cow smuggling and security threats.

Media Outcry Over Minister's Remarks

Press Bodies Demand Apology from State Minister

Meanwhile, the Press Club of India, Gauhati Press Club, and the Media Association of Assam have called for an apology from Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah for his derogatory remarks directed at a journalist during a press conference.

When questioned about the Gir cows by a journalist from the Sadin-Pratidin media group, the minister reportedly referred to him as “inferior,” according to another media outlet.

“I will not speak to inferior people like you,” Mallabaruah allegedly stated. “I will answer when your owner asks me a question.”

The Media Association of Assam has also demanded an apology from the minister for his comments, as reported by local news.

Hiren Chandra Kalita, President of the Media Association of Assam, and Secretary-General Chandra Kumar Shaikia condemned the remarks and urged journalists to boycott Mallabaruah until he issues an apology.

The Gauhati Press Club has also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of journalists facing backlash from political figures when asking challenging questions.

“From MPs, MLAs to ministers and other office bearers of different parties, we have seen an alarming trend of targeting the journalist who poses a question that puts them in a difficult position,” stated Susmita Goswami, chief of the Gauhati Press Club, on Friday.

On Saturday, the Press Club of India supported the Gauhati Press Club's statement and urged political leaders to avoid such undignified conduct.

“Targeting journalists for merely asking uncomfortable questions has become a routine phenomenon for politicians and others who are in power and accountable to the people,” the statement read.

On Sunday, Mallabaruah issued an apology for his comments about the journalist amid growing backlash, as reported by a local news outlet.

“...I have not intentionally insulted any journalist,” he stated. “Yet, if my words have hurt someone's sentiments, I truly regret it.”

He clarified that he did not intend to demean journalists as a whole, acknowledging that his choice of words was inappropriate and hurtful. However, he claimed that his remarks were aimed at a specific journalist from a particular news channel, whom he accused of asking repetitive questions driven by the channel's owner.