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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered “thorough on-field investigations” into paltry payments, as low as Re 1, to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, saying it’s a “mockery”.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi on Monday to discuss issues being faced by farmers regarding the insurance scheme, Chouhan said farmers shouldn’t feel troubled under any circumstances, a statement from the ministry said.
“Receiving claims of Re 1, Rs 3, Rs 5, or Rs 21 is a mockery… and the government will not allow this to continue,” the statement quoted Chouhan as saying.
He instructed officials to make necessary amendments to the scheme provisions to remove inconsistencies, it said.
According to the statement, Chouhan stressed the scheme was a boon for farmers to protect their crops from natural disasters. “However, some issues have tarnished its reputation and turned it into a subject of ridicule,” the statement said.
During the meeting, Chouhan pointed out that a farmer was paid Re 1 when the loss was shown as zero; another farmer’s loss was recorded as 0.004806% and the claim was Re 1. Chouhan asked if this was not “injustice” with farmers.
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