DECLARE WHOLE DISTRICT AS DROUGHT-AFFECTED’ Saturday, 07 November 2015 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar.

STATE EDITIONS

‘DECLARE WHOLE DISTRICT AS DROUGHT-AFFECTED’

Saturday, 07 November 2015 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

1

2

3

4

5

0

A large number of people, including farmers and Congress workers, led by Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Narsingha Mishra staged a rally at the district Collectorate here on Friday in protest against State Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards farmers’

problems.

Later, a party delegation comprising Mishra, Jharsguguda MLA Naba Dash and former Assembly Speaker Kishore Patel held discussion with district Collector M Muthukumar on farmer issues and, particularly, wanted to know why lift irrigation points in Agalpur block and other areas, have not been repaired yet.

Mishra too wanted to know why the Laxmijore improvement work has not been started even as sanctioned money of `10.67 has been lying with the district administration since long.

They submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik through the Collector.

The Congress demanded that all the gram panchyats, four municipalities and the NAC should be declared as drought-affected and financial assistance should be given to farmers at the earliest.

The party sought compensation of `20,000 per acre of crop loss, waiver of farm loans, steps for improvement of all water bodies, including Sagar Katas Mudas, restoration of lift irrigation points and compensation of `10 lakh to family of each of deceased farmers who have committed suicide for crop loss and loan burden.

Besides, they wanted provision of drinking water in all villages and towns though tanker and ration cards for all deserving people within two months.

Collector Muthukumar assured the team of necessary steps towards their demands. The agricultural input subsidy would be given to farmers from November 10, said Muthukumar.

Later, addressing a huge gathering at Kosal Kala Mandal, Mishra, besides making above demands, demanded for setting up of a agricultural university at Balangir and a railway wagon factory at Kantabaji.

“Anybody who will talk or work against development of Balangir district, people will never excuse them,” contended Mishra

Among others, Samraendra Mishgra, Sudhir Parischha, BibhuprasadTarai, Kishore Patel, AshokNanda and  Laxman Meher spoke. Ashok Nanda presided over the meeting.