Over 50 thousand small farmers and share croppers of Ganjam district in Odisha, who had incurred losses during the devastating Phailin cyclone of 2013 are yet to receive compensation declared by the government, alleged Rushikulya Rayat Mahasangh and social organization Odisha Forum for Social Action.

In a joint press conference organized in Berhampur, the leaders of both the organizations as well as peasant representatives alleged irregularities during disbursement of compensation. They also said that the compensation amount being declared as per the present relief code was not adequate in this time of escalated costs. In most cases the share croppers, who are yet to get legal recognition in Odisha do not get the compensation which is gobbled up by the landlords.

Findings of these organizations stated that Ganjam district administration had furnished a report to government regarding losses during Phailin cyclone. As per this report 6,16,818 farmers of the district had incurred losses due to the cyclone.

It had been decided to compensate these farmers. “But as per our findings over 50,000 farmers have not yet received the compensation amount”, said Mr Nahak and Ranjit of RRM and OFSA.

Both these organizations alleged that in several cases compensation had not been provided to beneficiaries with the false plea that the concerned farmers were not staying at their village.

“Even some farmers were stated to be dead while they are still living”, alleged Mr Nahak. “So, we feel callousness of revenue officials is a major reason behind the irregularities in disbursement of Phailin compensation to farmers”, he added. Hari Pradhan, a share-cropper from Basanapalli village said that while he has not received any compensation for his losses, his landlord has been provided the compensation for Phailin losses.

It was also alleged that most farmers received compensation for loss of paddy crop. Vegetable and horticulture farmers have not been compensated.

They demanded a five fold hike in compensation to match the present market costs.

Source - thehindu.com