Pic: KDP meet headed by minister Shivanand Patil in HaveriHaveri: Shivanand Patil, Minister for textiles and sugarcane development, director of sugar, agriculture marketing, and Haveri district in-charge, directed officials, including the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, to investigate a crop insurance scam alleged to have occurred in Haveri district.At a KDP meeting held on Tuesday, the minister addressed the prevalent issue of crop insurance after MLAs raised the matter. MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan alleged that crop insurance compensation was received by utilising RTCs (record of rights, tenancy, and crops) for more than 500 acres in Savanur taluk. He stated that these individuals do not own 500 acres of farmland. “Without support from the officers of the department of agriculture and the insurance company, it is not possible to transfer money to unauthorised persons. A proper inquiry should be conducted and legal action initiated against those behind this scam,” he demanded.Hangal MLA Srinivas Mane joined the discussion. “Many farmers missed the compensation, while fake beneficiaries are getting benefits,” he charged, adding that the inquiry should be conducted by officers from other departments.Minister Patil assured that a proper inquiry will be initiated. Regarding the sale of substandard seeds, the minister questioned the superintendent of police and agriculture joint director about why charges had not been filed against those selling substandard seeds in Ranebennur. They replied that the documentation was still under review. The minister, upset, questioned why action should not be taken against them for not filing charges within the 90-day rule. He then instructed that shops confirmed to have sold substandard seeds be closed immediately and that state-level vigilance officers be called to discuss and ensure punishment for those selling substandard seeds.The minister emphasised that all potholes which appeared due to rain should be filled between Nov and Jan. When questioned about the funds allocated and the projects initiated, the minister expressed anger at the delay in response from the PWD executive engineer, threatening strict action if the potholes were not properly filled.
