Baramulla: Political bias, Red Tape allegations put question mark on implementation of central agricultural schemes

Kashmir Press Service

Baramulla, July 25: Farmers in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district have accused the local Agriculture Department of politicizing the distribution of benefits under central government schemes, particularly the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) scheme aimed at promoting agricultural development and providing direct financial assistance to poor farmers.

A group of farmers while talking to KPS said, “Despite the Central Government’s repeated emphasis on farmer welfare and transparency, the implementation of CAPEX in Baramulla has been marred by political favoritism and bureaucratic hurdles.”

The farmers claimed that they are being asked to furnish recommendation letters from ministers or their staff to avail benefits under the scheme—something not mandated by any official guidelines.

Several local farmers, including Haji Mohammad Ismail, Ghulam Rasool Sheikh, Mohammad Abdullah Bhat, Syed Sareer, and Mohammad Sultan Sheikh, alleged that that the Chief Agriculture Officer and his staff often impose unofficial conditions before approving applications. “They keep telling us to bring written approval from the minister or ask if we’re their voters. Is this scheme for the public or for certain political groups?” asked one of the aggrieved farmers.

While the scheme allows both online and offline application modes, many farmers in remote rural areas lack the digital literacy or infrastructure to apply online. In such cases, they turn to the local Agriculture Department offices, only to face what they describe as a maze of paperwork, delays, and biased screening.

The Agriculture Director of Kashmir, Sartaj Shah, when contacted by KPS, denied the allegations. “The scheme is processed online. There is no scope for such interference,” he stated.
However, farmers said, “Either the Director is unaware or deliberately hiding the truth.”
They  pointed out that the scheme can indeed be accessed both online and offline.

Farmers alleged that the online excuse is used to deny benefits to those who cannot navigate the system, effectively sidelining them unless they have political backing. This, they argue, defeats the purpose of a welfare scheme that is supposed to be inclusive and non-discriminatory.

Calling the situation deeply unjust, the affected farmers have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Agriculture Minister, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and the J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate cognizance of the issue.
They demanded an independent probe into the functioning of the Agriculture Department in Baramulla and strict action against those responsible for corruption and nepotism.

Transport Manager of private school files police complaint against Tata Motors for taking away ambulance  
Kashmir Press Service
Handwara, July 25: In a serious allegation involving misappropriation and potential theft, Ghulam Ahmad Dar, Transport Manager at GD Goenka School Handwara, has filed a formal complaint with the Station House Officer (SHO) Handwara, accusing representatives of Tata Motors of fraudulently taking away the school’s ambulance vehicle.

According to the written complaint, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Press Service (KPS) submitted on July 25, 2025, Dar has stated that the school had purchased an ambulance from Tata Motors through an authorized dealership. However, the vehicle allegedly had multiple technical defects, prompting the school administration to file a case with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kupwara.
“The Forum passed an order restraining Tata Motors from harassing the school’s administration. Following this, a group claiming to be from Tata Motors approached Dar, requesting an inspection of the ambulance,” reads the complaint.  

“On the morning of July 25, at approximately 2:35 am the group entered the school premises for what they claimed was a routine check. But instead of conducting an inspection, they allegedly drove away the vehicle without the consent of the school authorities or the designated driver,” it adds.

“This was not just unethical but a clear case of criminal breach of trust and deception,” Dar said in his complaint.

He added that multiple attempts were made to contact the individuals involved, but no satisfactory explanation has been provided. Their actions, he alleged, reflect “mala fide intentions.”

Dar further claimed that the driver of the ambulance, Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, managed to capture video footage of the incident on his mobile phone. The school also has the mobile numbers of the persons who carried out the act.

Legal provisions cited in the complaint include violations under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 303(2) (theft), Section 314 (dishonest misappropriation of property), Section 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), and Section 318(4) (cheating).

Dar has requested the SHO Handwara to register an FIR and take immediate legal action against the concerned individuals. “We are ready to cooperate fully and submit all relevant documents, video evidence, and previous complaint records,” he stated.

The school has urged higher authorities and law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure the ambulance is returned without further delay.