West Bengal's agriculture department has begun a strict statewide re-verification of documents and data submitted under Krishak Bandhu, the state's farm grant scheme, so that its benefits reach genuine, eligible farmers and ghost beneficiaries are removed.

Citing agriculture department sources, Indian Express Bangla reports that the primary and field data of every application are being re-examined. To keep receiving benefits, farmers must submit an updated land record (parcha) or proof of ownership and correct bank details.

To stop fraud and fake enrolment, beneficiaries must link an active mobile number and Aadhaar details to their bank account. In some cases the Aadhaar and mobile details of the applicant's spouse are also being collected. Land and bank data for every application are being checked on the ground and digitally.

The deadline has been extended for small farmers who missed the initial August deadline for submitting the form. Those whose mobile numbers are already in the Krishak Bandhu database can update their information through an SMS-based portal, while new applicants must submit copies of land records and identity documents within 10 days of the notice.

But no grant money will be sent to any account until the data are fully accurate and document checks are complete, the department says, so a delay in updating documents could also delay a farmer's payment.

Photo: njanam92 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Source: Indian Express Bangla