Alleged Scandal in Haryana's Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Grant Distribution Leads to CBI Inquiry

A substantial financial irregularity has surfaced in the distribution of grants to farmers under the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) during the BJP-led government in Haryana. The corruption, amounting to crores, has prompted the Central Government to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The scandal involves ten officers from Haryana's Horticulture Department, and though the state government has taken action against them, the Centre remains dissatisfied.

In response to the discrepancies, the Central Government has written a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal, seeking his consent for a CBI investigation. Following the receipt of the letter, the Haryana government is preparing to grant approval for a comprehensive CBI inquiry into the entire scandal.

The controversy revolves around the distribution of grants under the Equity Grant Scheme, which initially provided each FPO with ₹10 lakh. However, the Central Government increased this amount to ₹15 lakh in 2022. The funds were intended to support farmers implementing drip irrigation techniques to conserve water, a practice incentivized by the Horticulture Department.

Upon receiving the Central Government's letter, the Haryana government swiftly completed all necessary procedures to hand over the case to the CBI. The files related to the scam have been sent to the Chief Minister's office, with the expectation that the state government will provide its consent letter to the Centre next week.

While some officers from Haryana's Horticulture Department and a few farm owners are allegedly involved in the scandal, the strict stance taken by the Central Government has left them uneasy. The investigation is expected to unveil the extent of corruption and hold those responsible accountable.

The grants aimed to promote sustainable farming practices, particularly drip irrigation, among farmers associated with the FPOs. However, the scandal has raised questions about the integrity of the grant distribution process, prompting a thorough investigation by the CBI.