Parl panel frowns upon poor adoption of agri plans

The parliamentary panel on agriculture presented a grim picture of the farmers' welfare programmes under the Government of India in its recent report tabled in the both houses of the Parliament.

Chairman of the standing committee of agriculture also the BJP MP Hukum Deo Narayan Jadav and the panel is of the view that inadequacy of funds has adversely affected the implementation of its various programmes and schemes.

The committee has expressed its doubts over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plan to double the farmers' income by 2022 unless adequate funds are allotted.

The standing committee unanimously reports that all major flagship programmes are suffering a setback owing to inadequate funds. Much less funds are given for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojona, Interest Subvention Scheme for agriculture credit, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojona, Rashtriya Krishi Yojona and Soil health Cards.

In the recently held assembly polls, Modi tried to impress the voters by launching popular schemes but the committee noted that for the year 2017-18, the budgetary estimate (BE) of Rs 52,655 crore for the department constituting 0.69% of the total budget of Rs 75,46,144 crore is less than social sector departments such as consumer affairs, Rural development and HRD.

The committee has also noted that the scheme of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojona being optional for the states and desired thatearnest efforts be made by the Department to impress upon the remaining states to implement PMFBY in the interest of the farmers.

The committee also underlined that the budgetary allocation of Rs 15,000 crore for the interest subvention scheme which is far belowthe actual requirement due to a huge backlog of dues to settle the audited claims from banks. The committee has urged that additional budgetary support to the department to fulfill the promises made by the Prime Minister.