IMPHAL, August 1: Funds meant to be distributed under the Development of Water Logged Areas, Pen and Cage Culture has been siphoned off by the officials of the State Fisheries Department and the deserving farmers have been left high and dry.
To what may be a main reason for the low production of fish in the state, the fish farmers were kept in the dark as the selection list was not released publicly.
Moreover the total amount has not been handed to the selected farmers and the complaining persons were given some part of the sanctioned amount.
Addressing a press meet in the regard today, Y Robindro, a listed beneficiary and spokesperson of Apunba Imphal West Farmers said that the funds meant for 2009,2010 and 2012 under the mentioned scheme was misappropriated by the District Fishery Officer of Imphal West, namely one L Kumar. The said officer has allegedly forged signatures of beneficiaries, it was also mentioned that out of a total of Rs 11,144 for an individual, many listed farmers have not availed the amount except some which have been given only Rs 3,000/ 5,000. The listed beneficiaries present at the press meet also confirmed the charge.
The matter was also taken up in the last assembly session and the Chief Minsiter had replied that the matter will be looked into, still the issue has not been addressed as of yet and the interest of the farmers are sidelined, the farmers stated.
Moreover, Fish feed and lime which are to be given free of cost to fish farmers under the Rastriya Kishi Vigyan Yojna (RKVY) for the year 2010, 2011 has only been given to the farmers in paper only, and the materials have been held back and many beneficiaries has yet to get the benefit.
The complainants stated that the gross corruption perpetrated by the officers of the Fisheries department should be corrected and the proper benefits should be given to the beneficiaries, otherwise a series of protest will be launched shortly.