Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena informed the State Assembly about significant irregularities in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). During the session, the Minister revealed that serious discrepancies were found in approximately 32,000 intimation forms. According to the findings, mafia elements recorded 0% crop damage in these forms, whereas the actual field damage ranged between 50% and 70%. This manipulation led to the withholding of insurance claims worth approximately ₹128 crore.
Manipulation of 32,000 Intimation Forms
The Minister stated that the investigation highlighted a systematic effort to deprive farmers of their rightful claims. By showing zero damage on paper, the insurance company avoided paying out ₹128 crore. According to officials, the company retained this amount and earned interest on it. The discrepancy was identified when the actual crop loss reported by farmers didn't match the data submitted in the intimation forms by certain elements.
Legal Action Against Kshema Insurance Company
In response to the findings, the state government has initiated legal proceedings against Kshema General Insurance Company, while an FIR (No. 0210) has been registered at the Rawla police station. The investigation is being conducted under sections 336, 337, 340, and 2(B) S of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Minister emphasized that the company’s actions are under strict scrutiny to ensure accountability for the withheld funds.
Affected Districts and Involved Entities
Preliminary investigations indicate that the scam is spread across several districts, including Nagaur, Bikaner, Churu, Sanchore, and Jalore. The Minister informed the house that the scam involved a nexus of company employees, bank officials, and external mafia elements. This syndicate allegedly worked together to manipulate records and prevent the disbursement of insurance claims to genuine farmers in these regions.
Recommendation for Blacklisting and Farmer Compensation
The Rajasthan government has formally written to the Government of India, categorizing the insurance company as a defaulter. The state has requested that the company shouldn't be awarded any future tenders. While the final decision on empanelment rests with the Central Government, the state has decided to facilitate the payment of ₹122 crore to the affected farmers following hearings at the PCRC and SRC levels.
Fraudulent Accounts at SBI Salasar Branch
Minister Meena also highlighted another case involving the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Salasar. The probe revealed that 71 accounts were opened using forged documents to secure loans. The Tehsildar of Gajner in Bikaner district confirmed that no valid land records exist for the individuals named in those accounts. Plus, attempts were made to issue premium cards based only on savings accounts without proper documentation, which could have resulted in a loss of nearly ₹9 crore to the state and central exchequers.