Are they farmers or criminals: Maharashtra Congress chief on government survey

The Osmanabad district administration has allegedly been making affected farmers stand in their farm fields with a slate in their hands with their name written on it, and taking pictures of it as part of the panchnama process.

The panchnamas (survey) being conducted by the local district administration in Marathwada region to ascertain crop damage by hailstorm and unseasonal rains has run into controversy.

Ashok Chavan, state Congress unit president. (HT File)

It has come to light that the Osmanabad district administration has allegedly been making affected farmers stand in their farm fields with a slate in their hands with their name written on it, and taking pictures of it as part of the panchnama process. The practice is similar to the same used by the police for identification of criminals.

“The government is treating farmers affected with hailstorm and unseasonal rains just like criminals. Being a farmer has become a sort of crime in Maharashtra. This is so disrespectful, to (make) farmers stand in their farm land along with a slate and their name written on it,” Ashok Chavan, state Congress unit president said.

The matter was reported at Ekondi village of Osmanabad district of Marathwada region. The matter was first reported by the local media. “This shows the insensitivity of the state government towards the agrarian community, which is already in deep crisis,” Chavan added.

Agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar said he is not aware of any such incident. “No such procedure has been adopted in Vidarbha region. If at all, it is going on anywhere in Marathwada, I’ll direct officials to stop it immediately,” he said.