Controversy Erupts Over Subsidy Granted to Union Agriculture Minister Bhagirath Chaudhary

Jaipur, June 27: A new controversy has emerged in Rajasthan politics following the revelation that Union Agriculture Minister Bhagirath Chaudhary received a subsidy of ₹99.60 lakh from the National Horticulture Board (NHB) for his farm. Reports indicate that the subsidy was approved for cucumber cultivation in a polyhouse located in Peh village, Parbatsar. The Congress party has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, questioning both the central government and the minister.

According to information, the NHB approved the subsidy for cucumber farming over an area of 16,592 square meters at Chaudhary’s farm. Across the country, 457 projects were sanctioned for farmers, including Chaudhary’s. The controversy intensified because Bhagirath Chaudhary serves as both the Union Agriculture Minister and the vice-chairman of the NHB.

In response to the growing controversy, Chaudhary clarified that he has not concealed any information. He stated that thousands of farmers receive subsidies for polyhouses and farm ponds, and he availed himself of the scheme as a farmer.

Chaudhary mentioned that he brings farmers to his farm for training in advanced and organic farming practices. He noted that several officials, including the collector and SDM, have visited his farm. He emphasized that he has been farming since childhood and established the polyhouse in accordance with the scheme’s guidelines.

He also asserted that the department responsible for subsidies related to polyhouses and cold storage is under another state minister, Ramnath Thakur, and not under his purview. Thus, he argued that the allegations of conflict of interest are unfounded.

Chaudhary explained that his land suffers from water scarcity, prompting him to create four farm ponds with a capacity of 2 crore liters. Rainwater is collected from the polyhouse roof, which he uses for year-round advanced farming. He grows crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and coriander in the polyhouse.

The NHB provides subsidies of up to 50% to select progressive farmers to promote commercial cultivation of horticulture, crops, and vegetables. The scheme supports advanced farming of various crops, including bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and several flower varieties.

Under this scheme, each family can receive a subsidy of up to 50% of the project cost. Following the approval of the ₹99.60 lakh subsidy for Bhagirath Chaudhary’s project, the opposition has questioned the appropriateness of a minister benefiting from a scheme related to his own ministry.

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the central government and Minister Chaudhary. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, opposition leader Tikaram Julie, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, and Congress national general secretary Sachin Pilot have all demanded a high-level and impartial investigation into the matter.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to social media to highlight what he termed a new model of corruption and conflict of interest under the Modi government. He questioned how the Union Agriculture Minister could secure nearly ₹1 crore in subsidies from a scheme of his own ministry.

Gehlot alleged that while ordinary farmers struggle with bureaucratic hurdles, ministers and favored officials’ families are receiving substantial government benefits. He also criticized the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue.

Dotasra further condemned the situation, stating that the Modi government is rife with exploitation while farmers are left to fend for themselves, as ministers benefit from their own ministry’s schemes. He argued that if such benefits were awarded to deserving farmers, it could significantly change their lives. He labeled the situation as a serious case of conflict of interest, given that the agriculture minister is also the ex-officio vice-chairman of the board.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.