Latest news with #AssistancetoEntrepreneurforEstablishmentofCommercialDairyFarming
Scroll.in
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Assam Congress writes to PM about alleged irregularities in dairy farming scheme, CM denies claims
The Assam Congress on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging 'serious irregularities' in a state government-supported dairy farming scheme. Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi, in the letter to Modi, expressed 'serious concerns' about the Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming scheme. Under the scheme, individuals who want to set up commercial dairy farms or expand their existing farms are given assistance in securing bank loans, and are also given direct financial aid from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state. However, Gogoi alleged that several beneficiaries of the scheme appeared to be family members or associates of state ministers and MLAs. He further claimed that 'long-standing dairy farmers, particularly in districts like Bongaigaon, have reportedly been overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling the eligibility requirements'. Serious irregularities in Assam's dairy scheme exposed, genuine milk producers left out, while kin of ministers & MLAs make the list. Assam PCC President @GauravGogoiAsm writes to PM seeking a review. — Assam Congress (@INCAssam) June 28, 2025 The Congress leader added that the exclusion of experienced dairy entrepreneurs raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process. 'Equally alarming is the response from the Chief Minister of Assam [Himanta Biswa Sarma], who chose to justify the inclusion of minister's family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries,' Gogoi said, adding that this 'open endorsement of political favouritism' had fulled public outrage. Claiming that it reflected a 'serious breach of oath', the Congress leader added that the alleged irregularities cast doubt on the state government's adherence to ethical governance and the rule of law. Gogoi, in the letter to the prime minister, also raised concerns about the Gorukhuti agricultural project. The project, launched in 2021, was aimed at promoting agricultural development and self-reliance through modern farming techniques in 77,000 bighas of land in Sipajhar. The project also included the procurement of high-yield Gir cows from Gujarat. Citing official records, Gogoi in his letter to Modi claimed that the cows were allocated to several elected representatives, including a firm owned by the wife of state minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, and sitting legislators Bhupen Pegu, Utpal Borah and Diganta Kalita, along with MP Dilip Saikia. 'The diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by over Rs 5.5 crore in public funds compromises the very objective of government programmes designed to promote inclusive development,' he said. '…these actions go against the very principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable access.' Gogoi urged the prime minister to direct an inquiry into the matter. In September 2021, over 1,000 families, most of them Bengali-origin Muslims, had also been evicted from Dhalpur in Assam's Darrang district to make way for the Gorukhuti project. The evictions had led to protests from local residents, during which two persons were killed. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma denies claims In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed any wrongdoing and claimed that the Gir cows had begun dying due to climate incompatibility, India Today NE reported. BJP MLA Padma Hazarika, who was heading the project, had requested private persons to purchase the cattle due to a lack of buyers and fearing further losses, Sarma claimed. 'We should thank them for buying,' he said. 'Otherwise, there were no takers for these sick cattle.' The chief minister also accused the media of sensationalising the issue and comparing the situation to a 'cattle auction', India Today NE reported. He claimed that media houses were ignoring more serious issues, including illegal cow smuggling and security threats. Press bodies condemn state minister's remarks Meanwhile, the Press Club of India, the Gauhati Press Club and the Media Association of Assam has demanded an apology from Mallabaruah for his 'insulting' remarks about a journalist during a press conference on Friday. While responding to a question about the Gir cows asked by a journalist from the Sadin-Pratidin media group, the state minister reportedly referred to him as ' inferior,' Newslaundry reported. 'I will not speak to inferior people like you,' Newslaundry quoted Mallabaruah as saying. 'I will answer when your owner asks me a question.' Targeting journalists for merely asking uncomfortable questions has become a routine phenomenon for politicians and others who are in power and accountable to the people. Such behaviour is against the spirit of a democratic nation. We endorse the Gauhati Press Club statement and… — Press Club of India (@PCITweets) June 28, 2025 The Media Association of Assam demanded an apology from the state minister for his remarks, Northeast News reported. Media Association of Assam's President Hiren Chandra Kalita and Secretary-General Chandra Kumar Shaikia condemned the remarks and called on all journalists to boycott Mallabaruah until he apologises. The Gauhati Press Club also condemned the recurring incidents of journalists facing backlash from political leaders when faced with uncomfortable questions. 'From MPs, MLAs to ministers and other office bearers of different parties, we have seen an alarming trend of targeting the journalist who poses a question that puts them in a difficult position,' Susmita Goswami, Gauhati Press Club chief, said on Friday. On Saturday, the Press Club of India said that it endorsed the Gauhati Press Club statement and urged political leaders to refrain from such undignified behaviour. 'Targeting journalists for merely asking uncomfortable questions has become a routine phenomenon for politicians and others who are in power and accountable to the people,' it said in a statement. On Sunday, Mallabaruah apologised for his remarks about the journalist amid the mounting backlash, The Assam Tribune reported. '...I have not intentionally insulted any journalist," he claimed. "Yet, if my words have hurt someone's sentiments, I truly regret it." Saying that he did not intend to belittle journalists as a whole, the minister acknowledged that his choice of words was inappropriate and hurtful. However, he claimed that his remarks were directed at a particular journalist from a specific news channel whom he accused of asking repetitive questions with an agenda driven by the owner of the channel.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi writes to PM Modi seeking review of beneficiaries of AEECDF 2022-23
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi has written to Prime minister Narendra Modi seeking review of the beneficiaries of the Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022-23). Gaurav who is Lok Sabha MP stated, 'I am writing to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding the implementation of the government supported scheme, "Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022-23)", in the state of Assam. This scheme receives substantial financial support from the Government of Assam. Each unit is eligible for up to 50 lakh in subsidy. The objective is to promote genuine entrepreneurship in the dairy sector and strengthen milk production across the region. However, multiple reports and official documentation point to irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The letter stated, 'Several recipients of the scheme's benefits appear to be family members or associates of Ministers and MLAs in the state government, while long-standing dairy farmers, particularly in districts like Bongaigaon, have reportedly been overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling the eligibility requirements. The exclusion of experienced dairy entrepreneurs raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process. Equally alarming is the response from the Chief Minister of Assam, who chose to justify the inclusion of ministers' family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries.' Gogoi continued, 'This open endorsement of political favouritism has fuelled public outrage for undermining the constitutional values of equality and justice. It also reflects a serious Live Events breach of the oath of office, which obliges public representatives to act impartially and in the public interest, casting doubt on the state government's adherence to ethical governance and the rule of law. Separately, the Gorukhuti agricultural project has also come under scrutiny. Funded through public money and intended for community benefit, the project included the procurement of high-yield Gir cows from Gujarat'. The congress leader stated, 'Official records indicate that these were allocated to several elected representatives, including the firm owned by the wife of Jayanta Malla Baruah (Cabinet Minister & MLA, Nalbari), Bhupen Pegu (MLA, Jonai), Utpal Borah (MLA, Gohpur), Diganta Kalita (MLA, Kamalpur), and Dilip Saikia (Member of Parliament). The diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by over 25.5 crore in public funds compromises the very objective of Government programme designed to promote inclusive development. Sir, these actions go against the very principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable access." "If politically connected individuals are allowed to siphon off benefits meant for the poor, we risk alienating the very people these schemes are meant to uplift. In the interest of justice and public trust, I urge your office to instruct the government to initiate an enquiry into the matter at the earliest. I trust that this matter will be taken with the seriousness it deserves. I look forward to your prompt intervention on these issues'.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Congress' Gogoi accuses Assam Govt of misusing dairy farming scheme funds, calls for PM's intervention
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for his 'attention' over the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the 'Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022-23)' scheme in Assam, alleging that the ministers in the state cabinet were benefiting from it at the expense of genuine dairy farmers, thereby undermining the principles of 'fairness and transparency'. In his letter, the Congress MP alleged the inclusion of family members and associates of state ministers and MLAs as beneficiaries, while experienced dairy farmers, particularly from districts like Bongaigaon, have been reportedly excluded despite meeting eligibility criteria. 'I am writing to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding the implementation of the government supported scheme, 'Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022-23)', in the state of Assam. This scheme receives substantial financial support from the Government of Assam. Each unit is eligible for up to Rs 50 lakh in subsidy. The objective is to promote genuine entrepreneurship in the dairy sector and strengthen milk production across the region. However, multiple reports and official documentation point to irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries,' the letter read. 'Several recipients of the scheme's benefits appear to be family members or associates of Ministers and MLAs in the state government, while long-standing dairy farmers, particularly in districts like Bongaigaon, have reportedly been overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling the eligibility requirements,' it added, highlighting a perceived bias in the selection process. The Congress leader further criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for 'justifying' the inclusion of ministers' family members, describing it as an 'open endorsement of political favouritism' that fuels public outrage and undermines constitutional values. 'Equally alarming is the response from the Chief Minister of Assam, who chose to justify the inclusion of ministers' family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries. This open endorsement of political favouritism has fuelled public outrage for undermining the constitutional values of equality and justice. It also reflects a serious breach of the oath of office, which obliges public representatives to act impartially and in the public interest, casting doubt on the state government's adherence to ethical governance and the rule of law,' it further stated. Gogoi also pointed to the Gorukhuti agricultural project, funded with over Rs 5.5 crore in public money, alleging that high-yield Gir cows procured from Gujarat were allocated to elected representatives, including the firms owned by the wives of several ministers and MLAs. 'Official records indicate that these were allocated to several elected representatives, including the firm owned by the wife of Jayanta Malla Baruah (Cabinet Minister & MLA, Nalbari), Bhupen Pegu (MLA, Jonai), Utpal Borah (MLA, Gohpur), Diganta Kalita (MLA, Kamalpur), and Dilip Saikia (Member of Parliament). The diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by over Rs 5.5 crore in public funds compromises the very objective of Government programs designed to promote inclusive development,' Gogoi noted. The letter calls for a review and an enquiry into the matter, urging the Prime Minister to ensure justice and restore public trust. 'Sir, these actions go against the very principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable access. If politically-connected individuals are allowed to siphon off benefits meant for the poor, we risk alienating the very people these schemes are meant to uplift. In the interest of justice and public trust, I urge your office to instruct the government to initiate an enquiry into the matter at the earliest,' Gogoi concluded. (ANI)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Gogoi writes to PM Modi demanding inquiry into beneficiaries of dairy project in Assam
Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday alleged that family members and associates of ministers and MLAs of the ruling dispensation were getting benefits of a government scheme, depriving genuine beneficiaries in the state. He also criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma 's role in it through "open endorsement of political favouritism" and attempting to justify the selection of such connected people as beneficiaries. Gogoi, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requested a review of beneficiaries of the Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022-23) in Assam. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The allegations by the Deputy Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha came following reports of the inclusion of family members of ministers and MLAs in the list of beneficiaries under the dairy farming promotion scheme. Gogoi noted that the scheme receives substantial financial support from the Assam government and each unit is eligible for up to Rs 50 lakh in subsidy, with the objective to promote genuine entrepreneurship in the dairy sector. Live Events "However, multiple reports and official documentation point to irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries. Several recipients of the scheme's benefits appear to be family members or associates of ministers and MLAs in the state government, while long-standing dairy farmers, particularly in districts like Bongaigaon, have reportedly been overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling the eligibility requirements," he said in the letter. The exclusion of experienced dairy entrepreneurs raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process, he added. "Equally alarming is the response from the chief minister of Assam, who chose to justify the inclusion of ministers' family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries," Gogoi said, referring to Sarma's statement that the ministers' families will need a source of income when out of power. He maintained that this "open endorsement of political favouritism" has fuelled public outrage for undermining the constitutional values of equality and justice. It also reflects a breach of the oath of office, which obliges public representatives to act impartially and in the public interest, he added. Gogoi also mentioned the Gorukhuti agricultural project , funded through public money and intended for community benefit, which has also come under scrutiny. Referring to the procurement of Gir cows for the project and allotment of several of these high-yield cattle to private parties, the Congress leader said, "Official records indicate that these were allocated to several elected representatives, including the firm owned by the wife of Jayanta Malla Baruah (cabinet minister and Nalbari MLA), Bhupen Pegu (Jonai MLA), Utpal Borah (Gohpur MLA), Diganta Kalita (Kamalpur MLA), and Dilip Saikia (MP)." Saikia is also the president of the state BJP unit. Gogoi said that such actions go against the very principles of transparency, accountability and equitable access. "If politically connected individuals are allowed to siphon off benefits meant for the poor, we risk alienating the very people these schemes are meant to uplift," he said, urging the PM to initiate an inquiry. "I trust that this matter will be taken with the seriousness it deserves. I look forward to your prompt intervention on these issues," Gogoi added. The state Congress president had earlier raised the matter on X and alleged that Rs 50 lakh of taxpayers' money was handed to a minister for his private dairy farm. He had hit out at the chief minister's response to the allegation by stating, "What will they do after losing power?" Gogoi had claimed that it was not the first time those close to the BJP-led government have reaped "outsized benefits". "This is not governance, but rather a betrayal of the oath of office. Public money is misused to secure private futures, and power is treated as entitlement, not responsibility," he added, pointing out that these schemes were meant for the common people.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi draws PM Modi's attention to irregularities in dairy project
GUWAHATI Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allegations of political favouritism and irregularities in two government-backed dairy projects, including one that entailed the eviction of migrant Muslims. In a letter to the Prime Minister on Saturday (June 28, 2025), Mr. Gogoi, also the State Congress president, called for an immediate review of the Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022–23) scheme, meant to help genuine entrepreneurs, but allegedly being misused. 'The scheme, which provides subsidies up to ₹50 lakh per unit, was designed to support dairy entrepreneurs and strengthen regional milk production. However, several beneficiaries reportedly include relatives and associates of ruling party ministers and MLAs,' Mr. Gogoi stated. Some eligible and long-standing dairy farmers were overlooked, despite multiple applications, suggesting a lack of fairness and transparency in the beneficiary selection process, Mr. Gogoi said. The Congress leader criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for publicly defending the inclusion of family members of Ministers, MLAs, and MPs as beneficiaries under the scheme. 'This not only erodes public trust but reflects a troubling endorsement of political bias,' Mr. Gogoi said. He also cited alleged irregularities in the ₹5.5 crore Gorukhuti agricultural project in the Darrang district, for which some 800 families of Bengali-speaking Muslims were evicted in September 2021. Two eople, including a minor, were killed in police firing during the eviction drive. Gir cows procured under the Gorukhuti project were allotted to firms linked to an MP and at least four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, including a Minister, Mr. Gogoi said. Terming the alleged resource diversion 'a serious betrayal of public interest', the Congress legislator urged the the PM to initiate an official enquiry into the matter to uphold transparency, accountability, and equitable access to public welfare programmes. 'If politically-connected individuals continue to siphon off schemes meant for the underprivileged, we risk alienating the very communities these policies are designed to empower,' Mr. Gogoi stated.
