Protest over crop insurance claims

BARGARH : Hundreds of farmers under the aegis of Chasi Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti, Bargarh on Wednesday staged protest over non-settlement of crop insurance claims under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The agitating farmers picketed in front of the National Insurance Company office and blocked the main road of Bargarh town in front of private bus stand for about two hours from 11 am to 1 pm. Additional District Magistrate, Bargarh Tapiram Majhi rushed to the spot and discussed with the agitating farmers but to no avail. Later, the agitators blocked the road at Gandhi Chowk till 6 pm.  

President of the Samiti Jayakrushna Sahu said farmers have been demanding correction in the faulty list of claims prepared by the insurance company. They are also demanding a list of gram panchayat-wise beneficiaries under PMFBY to ensure immediate disbursement of insurance claims, he added. 

Due to the blockade, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road at busy Gandhi Chowk. Later, the agitating farmers lifted the road blockade after discussion with district administration officials. 
However, they refused to unlock the insurance firm’s office till their demands are met.