CM distributes compensation to affected farmers
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, March 11 2024:
Chief Minister N Biren today distributed financial compensation to those farmers who could not cultivate paddy or engage in agricultural activities last year due to the violent conflict.
Financial compensations under 'Compensatory Package for Farmers Affected by Violence' were distributed at an event held at the Durbar Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat this evening.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren Singh informed that 3483 farmers would be given the compensatory package amounting to Rs.18.37 crore in the first phase.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved Rs.38.6 crore as proposed by the State Government for payment of compensation to affected farmers, he added.
The violent conflict which erupted on May 3, 2023 was a tragedy for everyone.
As farmers could not cultivate paddy or tend to their fields in large areas on account of the violence, the State Government took up several measures to enable farmers tend to their fields.
Following deployment of State security forces in vulnerable areas, some farmers were able to cultivate paddy and tend to their fields, Biren said.
However, 5901 farmers had to suspend all their agricultural activities last year on account of the violent conflict.
As per a survey conducted by the Agriculture Department, agricultural activities could not be taken up in about 5127 hectares of land due to the unprecedented violence in the State.
Out of 5901 affected farmers duly verified by the concerned Deputy Commissioners (DCs), 19 have been cancelled due to duplication and another 2399 were found to have failed Aadhaar authentication and were sent back for re-verification to concerned DCs.
As such, the remaining 3483 farmers were taken up under the first phase, he added.
He continued that the next phase would be taken up after the re-verification is completed.
The 3483 farmers who are getting compensatory package include 199 from Imphal West (Rs 120.68 lakh), 360 from Imphal East (Rs 232.79 lakh), 1031 from Bishnupur (Rs 855.64 lakh), 25 from Thoubal (Rs 13.36 lakh), 51 from Jiribam (36.28 lakh), 142 from Chandel (Rs 32.95 lakh), 272 from Kangpokpi (72.73 lakh), 1137 from Churachandpur (302.53 lakh), 35 from Tengnoupal (Rs 10.37 lakh) and 231 from Kakching (Rs 159.79 lakh) .
Agriculture Minister Thongam Biswajit, Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar, MLA of Patsoi AC Sapam Kunjakeswor, MLA of Lamlai AC Kh Ibomcha, MLA of Moirang AC Thongam Shanti, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi and senior Government officials attended the programme, among others.