The Lokayukta, Odisha has become a matter of discussion for turning itself as saviour for many helpless victims. Whether it is a victim of cyclone ‘Fani’ or a poor peasant from a hinterland, the Lokayakta has opened its door of justice for everyone and made himself worthy of winning peoples’ trust within short time of its constitution.

Acting upon a complaint lodged by Jay Jawan, Jay Kishan Farmers Club, Kaptipada, secretary, it has strongly recommended granting adequate compensation to 736 farmers of Kaptipada Tehsil of Mayurbhanj district, who have sustained the loss in crops due to ‘Chakada insect’ attack.

As per the complaint, the paddy crop of Kaptipada Tehsil was severely damaged by ‘Chakada insects’ during the year 2017-18. The Tehsildar, Kaptipada had drawn the attention of the Sub-Collector, Udala and Collector, Mayurbhanj to provide financial assistance to the affected farmers.

Despite knowing the plight of the peasants, the district administration remained indifferent to the issue. Shocked by the indifference of the district administration towards the plight of the peasant, the Lokayukta incisively intervened in the matter and basing on the report of the Tehsildar, a response was solicited from the Collector, Mayurbhanj as to what steps have been taken by him to compensate the farmers in terms of the report of the Tehsildar, Kaptipada.

The Lokayukta also drew the attention of the Special Relief Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Odisha in Revenue and Disaster Management Department to do the needful in the matter.

Accordingly, an amount of Rs19, 10,476 has been promptly released for disbursement of agricultural input subsidy among the affected farmers of Kaptipada Tehsil.

The Lokayukta while imparting a direction to the Collector, Mayurbhanj for ensuring early disbursement of the amount to the farmers, it has recorded displeasure by expressing concern that timely action by the concerned authorities of Mayurbhanj district  would have averted the loss and agony of the farmers.

The Collector, Mayurbhanj has been asked to report compliance by the next date of hearing and the copy of the order of Lokayukta has also been sent to the Chief Secretary, Odisha for taking appropriate action in the matter to minimise unnecessary sufferings of farmers in future.