Odisha Congress Urges Immediate Payment of Farmers' Dues Amidst Government Celebrations

Call for Action on Farmers' Payments

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has called for the immediate disbursement of approximately Rs 4.41 crore owed to farmers in the Raighar block of Nabarangapur district.

During a press briefing, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das stated that 344 farmers from Raighar had sold over 14,000 quintals of paddy to the government four months ago, yet they have not received their payments.

Das emphasized that with the BJP government nearing its one-year anniversary in Odisha, it is crucial for them to settle the farmers' dues before any celebrations.

He also highlighted that farmers in Ganjam, who have experienced crop losses, are still waiting for their insurance payouts.

According to Das, over 1.45 lakh farmers in Ganjam have contributed Rs 84 crore in crop insurance premiums to a private firm contracted by the government, but the insurance company has failed to compensate them after their losses.

He urged the state government to step in and ensure that the insurance company fulfills its obligations.

Additionally, he mentioned that farmers in Angul district, who have suffered damage from elephant activities, are also awaiting compensation.

OPCC spokesperson Rajani Kumar Mohanty criticized the central government for not controlling fuel prices despite previous commitments.

He remarked that in the past 11 years, the BJP government has only raised the prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG instead of lowering them. State Congress spokesperson Manisha Das Patnaik condemned the increase in crimes against women, attributing it to government negligence.