Despite govt orders, no probe in Pokra scam

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Two years after a multi-crore scam under the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Yojana (Pokra) surfaced in Jalna, no comprehensive probe has been conducted despite government orders.

Then sub-divisional agriculture officer Sheetal Chavan was suspended following Lokmat’s reports. A 15-day inquiry was ordered by the divisional joint director of agriculture, but no action has been taken to date. Preliminary findings exposed large-scale corruption in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna. Chavan, with support from subordinates, allegedly embezzled crores. The vigilance team had recommended recovery of the amount. Despite this, Chavan was promoted to Superintendent of Agriculture before being suspended. Congress leader Suresh Gawli demanded a full probe. The government appointed Divisional Joint Director Dr. Tukaram Mote as inquiry officer and formed 18 teams from Latur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. However, on October 10, 2024, Dr. Mote wrote to the agriculture commissioner citing staff shortages and requested officers from other districts. Since then, the inquiry has stalled. He was instructed to complete the inquiry within 15 days using 18 teams from the agriculture departments of Latur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

“In four tehsils, fake records showed large-scale Pokra work. If properly investigated, the scam could cross Rs 100 crore. But no inquiry has begun.”

– Suresh Gawli, Complainant