Official demands bribe from ryots for sanctioning units

Chittoor: Farmers submitted a representation to Joint Director of Animal Husbandry here on Thursday to take action against Veterinary Officer working at GD Nellore mandal. The State government introduced Gokulam scheme for the benefit of farmers.

Under the scheme, the government sanctions Rs 1 lakh to each farmer and beneficiary has to contribute Rs 10,000 as part of his share.  A farmer has to construct a cow shed for sheltering two cows.

Veterinary Officer of GD Nellore mandal reportedly demanding a bribe of Rs 4,000 from each applicant. More than 810 applications were received by officials. It may be stated here that in Chittoor district, above 3 lakh farmers have contributed their 10 per cent share in advance.

The Animal Husbandry Department has sanctioned 5,000 units to the district under the Gokulam scheme. Farmers accused officials of sanctioning the units to ineligible farmers. 

Speaking to The Hans India here on Friday, farmer Venkata Reddy has revealed that he paid a bribe of Rs 3,000 to the Veterinary Officer. Joint Director of Animal Husbandry has assured farmers of taking action against Veterinary Officer after conducting a probe.