Kalahandi: Dharmgarh MLA, officials probe alleged irregularities in Millet Mission implementation

Bhawanipatna, Nov 12: Dharmgarh MLA and Kalahandi District Planning Board Chairman, Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi on Wednesday conducted a field-level inquiry into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Millet Mission programme in Odisha’s Koksara block, following complaints of large-scale discrepancies in ragi (finger millet) cultivation activities.

Accompanied by departmental officials, Pattjoshi visited several villages to assess the situation on the ground amid allegations that a voluntary organisation entrusted with implementing Millet Mission activities had committed irregularities in the name of promoting millet cultivation among farmers.

Under the Millet Mission programme, the organisation had been tasked with encouraging farmers to take up ragi cultivation and extending various forms of assistance and support needed for the crop.

As part of the inquiry, Pattjoshi and the officials visited Banjikot, Choraniduar and Dhobenpada villages in Koksara block. The team inspected cultivation fields and interacted with farmers to understand the implementation of the programme and gather information regarding the assistance provided to them.
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During the visit, the inquiry team reportedly came across indications of multiple irregularities linked to millet cultivation activities. Taking serious note of the allegations, Pattjoshi directed departmental officials to submit a comprehensive report detailing the list of farmers covered under the programme and the actual area brought under cultivation.

He also instructed officials to expedite verification of records and ensure a thorough assessment of the allegations at the earliest.

According to local sources, concerns have been raised over alleged manipulation of farmers' names and discrepancies in cultivation records by the implementing agency. In view of the allegations, Pattjoshi directed officials to examine the matter in detail and initiate appropriate action if wrongdoing is established.