Controversy in Hailakandi as MLA's Son Benefits from Scheme Meant for Farmers

In a shocking development, genuine farmers in Hailakandi have been deprived of government assistance under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) 2024-25 scheme. Allegations have surfaced that the son of an MLA from the Hailakandi constituency, Jahangir Alahi Laskar, received a tractor meant for actual farmers, raising concerns about corruption and favouritism in the district’s agriculture department.

The advertisement, issued by the Assistant Executive Engineer (Agri) of Hailakandi, clearly stated that seven Village Level Farm Machinery Banks and several agricultural tools, including tractors, would be provided at subsidised rates to registered agricultural service groups and individual farmers. However, reports indicate that Laskar, who is not a farmer but leads a luxurious lifestyle, was one of the beneficiaries.

An aware citizen raised this issue with the media, pointing out that many genuine farmers had applied for the scheme, spending between 10,000 to 20,000 rupees in the process. Despite their financial investment and need, they were overlooked in favour of individuals closely connected to the MLA, sparking outrage among the local farming community.

The whistleblower further revealed that the beneficiaries included contractors, businessmen, and Laskar, who had no apparent connection to farming. “We voted him to the seat of MLA, not to the seat of a farmer,” the citizen remarked, questioning the legitimacy of the allocation process.

The controversy intensified after a phone recording of Hailakandi’s Agriculture Officer, Abdul Batin, was leaked. In the recording, Batin allegedly mentioned that out of the seven tractors allocated to the district, two were directed by the Chief Minister, four were influenced by three MLAs from the district, and one was assigned to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.

This leaked recording has caused an uproar in Hailakandi, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of the district’s agricultural schemes. The citizen who exposed the scandal claimed that when he contacted the executive engineer of the Hailakandi Agriculture Department, he received no satisfactory response, further fuelling suspicions of misconduct.

The incident has raised serious questions about the integrity of the government’s distribution of resources meant for the agricultural community. Farmers and concerned citizens alike are demanding accountability and corrective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the district administration and the state government to see what actions will be taken against the MLA and the implicated agriculture officials. The public is calling for strict measures to restore faith in the system and to ensure that genuine farmers receive the support they deserve.