Jaipur / Churu : Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena has expressed suspicion of large-scale irregularities under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). He has called for an investigation into a potential scam of approximately ₹1,150 crore at the State Bank of India in Salasar.
On Friday, the Agriculture Minister visited the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Salasar, Churu district, where he examined the files of crop insurance claims received by farmers, revealing widespread fraudulent crop insurance claims.
According to the Agriculture Minister, insurance claims were prepared in the names of 71 farmers at the Salasar State Bank of India branch using fake Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs). Each farmer’s claim amounted to approximately ₹12 lakh, totaling approximately ₹9 crore.
Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena stated that the individuals in whose names the claims were made neither possess land records nor have a clear address in the village. In such a situation, the Minister has expressed apprehension that preparations were being made to withdraw insurance funds by creating fictitious farmers on paper.
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A big game in the name of 15,000 farmers?
Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena said that if this pattern has been followed in other places, there is a possibility of embezzlement of approximately 1150 crore rupees in the name of approximately 15,000 farmers. This fraud may have been going on for several years.
He stated bluntly that this matter is not limited to just one bank branch. Similar irregularities will be investigated in other government and private banks as well.
Questions also raised on the role of bank employees:
Agriculture Minister Dr. Meena said that prima facie, collusion of bank employees cannot be ruled out. According to him, an attempt has been made to harm the government and genuine farmers by colluding with insurance companies and the so-called ‘insurance mafia’.
He clarified that a departmental FIR will be filed in this matter. Additionally, a meeting with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will be held to demand a detailed investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The minister stated that this suspected fraud was detected in a timely manner, preventing the payment of insurance claims.
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These questions raised regarding the state’s crop insurance scheme have created a stir within the administrative department. All eyes are now on what the investigation reveals and what action will be taken against those responsible.