MARGAO: Farmers in Salcete who received financial assistance under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Scheme are expressing their discontent over the recent directive from the Directorate of Agriculture, which requires them to refund the Rs 6,000 received in three installments. The farmers argue that being asked to repay the entire amount at once is unfair, considering their existing financial hardships.
The farmers question why their eligibility was not determined prior to receiving the funds, and why alternative arrangements were not made if they were deemed ineligible. They have urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to intervene in the matter, and until then, they have decided not to repay the amount.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, addressing farmers from the Benaulim constituency, urged all farmers across Goa
not to refund the Rs 6,000 until the Chief Minister provides a clear response.
The farmers received a notice from Agriculture Director Nevil Alphonso, stating that they are deemed
ineligible under the PM-Kisan scheme due to being income tax payees, or ineligible. The letter requests the refund of the amount disbursed under the PM Kisan scheme.
