Ripun Bora Writes to PM, Seeks CBI Probe into 'PM Kisan Samman Nidhi' Anomalies

Guwahati:

Alleging a "large-scale corruption" in the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi in Assam, Congress leader Ripun Bora on Friday has urged for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the matter.

Bora, writing to the Prime Minister, has claimed that "serious anomalies and manipulations" have been observed in the implementation of the scheme in Assam, where it was initially touted to benefit 31 lakh farmers. In his letter, Bora urged the PM to hand over this serious corruption case to the CBI "to inquire into details and to bring to to book the culprits involved in this scam."

Claiming that in most cases farmers are not selected, Bora said that Government employees, businessmen, and economically sound people have been chosen to reap the benefits of this scheme.

The Congress leader also claimed that in some cases, more than 5 persons belonging to the same family have been chosen for the purpose. "The panchayat representatives who have been entrusted to prepare the list of beneficiaries they included their names and the names of their kith and kin", charged Bora. In some village lists names of beneficiaries from outside the village have been added, he said, adding that in Morigaon district in Middle Assam, nearly 22,000 "bogus and undeserving names are included in the list."

"According to an estimate made by a number of organizations and media houses out of 31 lakh beneficiaries, more than 40% beneficiaries are bogus and manipulated", said Bora.

Bora further pointed out to Mr Modi that this alleged scam has been widely circulated in print and electronic media platforms and has led to a protest on the National Highway. He also claimed that Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora has also admitted to "anomalies and manipulation" in the selection of beneficiaries.

It may be mentioned here that Agriculture Minister Atul Bora has ordered 100 per cent reverification of beneficiaries in the PM KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) scheme across the State.

Informing this to the media on Thursday, Bora said, "This decision has been taken as there have been allegations that names of many ineligible persons have been included in the beneficiaries' list. "After reverification, all ineligible names will be deleted, and if they got any monetary benfit under the PM Kisan scheme, such persons will have to refund the amount. Legal action will be initiated against such ineligible beneficiaries and even officials and employees if found guilty."

Bora pointed out, "We've already informed the Government of India about the allegations. The Centre has asked the State government to carry out 5% reverification of the total beneficiaries. However for transparency sake, we've decided to go for 100 per cent reverification."

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