Jharkhand Farmers Duped? Blacklisted Companies Allegedly Back in Agri Scheme

Allegations of widespread corruption are rocking Jharkhand’s agricultural sector, specifically concerning the PDMC scheme. Twelve companies, which were previously blacklisted for supplying sub-par agricultural equipment and were identified as problematic by CI PET’s testing, have reportedly been awarded new contracts. Ajay Singh, representing the Communist Party of India, raised these serious concerns at a press conference, questioning the integrity of the agriculture department’s operations. He stated that despite the Chief Minister’s promises to combat graft, officials appear to be complicit in corrupt practices. Singh detailed the timeline: in 2023, these companies were penalized for failing to meet quality standards, a finding confirmed by CI PET’s analysis of micro-irrigation plastic products. The companies were then blacklisted for five years, with their financial dealings frozen. However, in an astonishing turn of events, these companies were allegedly removed from the blacklist and given new contracts within eight days, purportedly without any re-investigation. These firms are now reportedly involved in approximately 60% of agricultural department projects across the state, allegedly facilitated by corrupt relationships. The CPI is demanding stringent action from the government against the officials and companies involved, asserting that such practices betray farmers and damage the government’s credibility.