Latest news with #AssistancetoEntrepreneurforEstablishmentofCommercialDairyFarming
India Gazette
4 hours 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
12 hours 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
13 hours 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.
