SRINAGAR: Residents of Faqir Gujri area in Harwan on Srinagar outskirts alleged that Sarpanchs and Panchs in the area distributed cows among “blue-eyed persons while ignoring the deserving ones” under a scheme. The scheme is called ‘special central assistance to tribal sub plan.’The residents said “misuse of power by the Panchayat representatives has marred the essence of the scheme aimed at uplifting the tribal population.”
The residents said “misuse of power by the Panchayat representatives has marred the essence of the scheme aimed at uplifting the tribal population.”
“They provided cows to their relatives and friends. The deserving were ignored. In violation of rules, cows were provided to families who have government employees,” a delegation of Faqir Gujri residents alleged. “The cows were distributed on the last day of the financial year.”
The Special Central Assistance (SCA) is provided by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to the State Government as an additive to the State Tribal Sub Plan. SCA is primarily meant for family-oriented income-generation schemes in sectors of agriculture, horticulture, sericulture and animal husbandry.
Under one such assistance, 32 cows were distributed to residents of Faqir Gujri village by the Animal Husbandry department. Each beneficiary was provided two cows at Rs 14, 000 whereas the actual cost of these cows is Rs 28,000. 50 percent of cost is borne by the Animal husbandry department. Mineral mixture and cattle feed are also provided according to the plan.When contacted, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, GM Mir, said, “Yes we allotted cows to the residents of Fakir Gujri village under the sub-tribal plan but our job is to issue tenders for cows and provide subsidy. Selection of the beneficiaries is done by Panchayat members. In case of Fakir Gujri village, Sarpanch, deputy Sarpanch and six Panchs were part of selection committee.”
When contacted, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, GM Mir, said, “Yes we allotted cows to the residents of Fakir Gujri village under the sub-tribal plan but our job is to issue tenders for cows and provide subsidy. Selection of the beneficiaries is done by Panchayat members. In case of Fakir Gujri village, Sarpanch, deputy Sarpanch and six Panchs were part of selection committee.”
Asked why cows were distributed on last day of the financial year, he said, “it happens sometimes due to delay in procedures.”Head of the selection committee and Sarpanch of village Fakir Gujri, Raja Muhammad defended the selection. “We did not commit any wrong. Our village has 100 percent tribal population. We can provide cows to anyone. It can be employee as well.
Head of the selection committee and Sarpanch of village Fakir Gujri, Raja Muhammad defended the selection. “We did not commit any wrong. Our village has 100 percent tribal population. We can provide cows to anyone. It can be employee as well. Moreover cows can be provided to only those who have Rs 14000.”
Moreover cows can be provided to only those who have Rs 14000.”
