Bhubaneswar/Bargarh: Odisha Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the grievance of a farmer from Bargarh district who sought permission for euthanasia alleging severe financial distress after failing to sell his kharif paddy despite waiting nearly six months for procurement.
The farmer, identified as Rohit Bhoi of Talmenda village under Bheden block, submitted a petition to the District Collector during a public grievance hearing at Bheden seeking permission for “ichha mrityu” or euthanasia.
Responding to the incident, the minister said the district collector would be asked to conduct an inquiry and corrective action would be taken if any irregularity is found.
“If he is dissatisfied, let him inform the Collector. Since it has come to our notice, we will ask the Collector to conduct an inquiry. If there is any mistake, we will rectify it,” Samanta told reporters.
Rohit alleged that although procurement for the new kharif season has already begun, his paddy from the previous season remains unsold. He said he harvested around 220 packets of paddy, but authorities are yet to procure the produce.
“I cultivated paddy hoping to support my family, but it has not been sold even after six months. I attended several grievance hearings and also met the collector, but nothing happened. Left with no option, I sought permission for euthanasia,” he said.
The farmer claimed the prolonged delay has pushed his family into acute financial hardship, alleging he is unable to afford medicines for his ailing father and is also struggling to continue his children’s education.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Attabira Nihar Mahananda assured assistance to the farmer and said efforts are underway to ensure pending dues of farmers are cleared.
