Punjab Government Orders Investigation into Farm Machinery Scam

After The Tribune reported the news in 2019, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann order an investigation into a scam involving agricultural equipment worth Rs 1,178 crore.

Dilraj Singh, the secretary for agriculture, has verified the development. He said the investigation into the In-Situ Crop Residue Administration Scheme would be carried out by the Finance Division.

The Secretary said, "To find out the truth about the financial aspect of the officially financed crop residue management plan, the CM has authorized an inquiry. The federal government inside audit team, which consists of three people, is looking into the situation”.

On October 18, 2019, The Tribune published the initial report on the scam. The establishment of 34 agricultural equipment banks in Bathinda is reported to have been made possible by an 80% Central subsidy, it was then brought up. The state was given subsidies, but many banks for farm equipment only existed on paper.

Saravjit Singh, the  Chief Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, directed an audit and physical verification of each piece of equipment purchased with Central Subsidy last week.

The Director (Agriculture) indicated that the physical verification of 90,000 Equipment, which was purchased with the Centre’s subsidy, needed to be completed within 15 days in a notification sent to all agricultural officials last week. Officers have been asked to check the bottom of the machines to see if they are current.

Congress "tried" to hide it

• It was claimed that a central subsidy of 80% had helped to create 34 farm equipment banks in Bathinda.

• The state received the subsidies, but many agricultural equipment banks just had paper assets.

• When the issue was raised, the previous Congress administration attempted to cover it up.