MP Oppn leader gets compensation cheque for crop not planted

Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Ajay Singh today claimed in the House that he has received a cheque of Rs 23,240 as compensation for "damaged" tuar crop on a piece of land owned by him in native district though he had not sown the crop on that farm field.
The land in question, located in Churhat area of Sidhi district, has actually eucalyptus saplings planted on it, the Congress leader told the Assembly, creating mild flutter in the House.
Participating in a debate on the issue of hail and frost affected crops, Ajay said the cheque of Rs 23,240 for "damaged" tuar crop was accompanied by a letter from the local Tehsildar and Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

Eucalyptus saplings, and not tuar crop, had been planted on that land, the Leader of Opposition said.
The letter exposed lack of seriousness on part of the State's BJP government in distributing compensation to the affected farmers, he alleged.
The cheque was returned to officials concerned, Ajay said and asked the government to ensure that only those farmers whose crops had been damaged get the compensation.

Besides the Leader of Opposition, 20 other members took part in the debate.
Replying to the debate, Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma said Commissioners and Collectors have been directed to conduct survey of the affected crops in a transparent manner.

The government has allocated Rs 108 crore for payment of compensation for hailstorm-affected crops and Rs 55 crore for those damaged by frost.