Bhubaneswar(Rajyakahani)
The Lokayukta,Odisha has become a matter of discussion for turning itself as saviour for many helpless victims. May it be a victim of “ Cyclone Fani” or a poor peasant from a hinterland, it has opened its door of justice for everyone and made himself worthy of winning peoples’ trust within short time of its constitution. Acting upon a complaint lodged by the Secretary , “Jay Jawan, Jay Kishan Farmers Club” of Kaptipada, it has strongly recommended to grant adequate compensation to 736 numbers of farmers of Kaptipada Tahasil of Mayurbhanj District. Who have sustained the loss in crops due to ‘Chakada Insect’ attack. As per the complaint, the paddy crop of Kaptipada Tahasil was severely damaged by ‘Chakada insects’ during the year 2017-18. Tahasildar, Kaptipada had drawn the attention of the Sub-Collector,Udala and Collector,Mayurbhanj to provide financial assistance to the affected farmers. Despite knowing the plight of the peasants the District Administration remained indifferent to this issue.
Shocked by the indifference of the District administration towards the plight of the peasant, the Lokayukta have incisively intervened in the matter and basing on the report of the Tahasildar, a response was called upon from the Collector, Mayurbhanj as to what steps have been taken by him to compensate the farmers in terms of the report of the Tahasildar, Kaptipada. The Lokayukta also drew the attention of the Special Relief Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Odisha in Revenue and Disaster Management Department to do the needful in the matter. Accordingly, an amount of Rs.19,10,476/(Rupees nineteen lakhs ten thousand four hundred seventy Six) has been promptly released for disbursement of Agricultural input subsidy among the affected farmers of Kaptipada Tahasil. The Lokayukta while imparting a direction to the Collector, Mayurbhanj for ensuring early disbursement of the aforesaid amount to farmers has recorded displeasure by expressing concern that timely action by the concerned authorities of Mayurbhanj District would have averted the loss and agony of the farmers.
The Collector, Mayurbhanj has been asked to report compliance by the next date of hearing and the copy of the order of Lokayukta has also been sent to the Chief Secretary, Odisha for taking appropriate action in the matter to minimise unnecessary sufferings of farmers in future. These are the instances that people after being disappointed with all quarters, are receiving justice from the Lokayukta.