Govind Singh Dotasra Claims 400 Crore Milk Bonus Pending Amid Amul Protest

In a significant political and social development in Rajasthan, Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra has raised serious allegations against the state government regarding the pending dues of dairy farmers. Speaking on the sidelines of a massive protest in Ajmer, Dotasra claimed that approximately 400 crore rupees in milk bonuses remain unpaid by the government. This financial backlog has reportedly pushed many cattle rearers into a state of economic distress, as they rely heavily on these payments for their daily sustenance and the future of their families. Dotasra emphasized that farmers sell milk, goats, and grain to save money for their children's education and medical treatments, but the current administration's neglect is jeopardizing their livelihoods.

The Saras Sahakar Mahakumbh in Ajmer

The protest, titled 'Saras Sahakar Mahakumbh', was organized at Kachhawa Garden near Tabiji Farm in Ajmer. The event saw a massive turnout, with thousands of farmers and milk producers arriving from 15 different districts across Rajasthan. The primary objective of this gathering was to voice opposition against the expansion of Amul within the state and to protect the local cooperative network, Saras. The participants collectively took a pledge under the slogan 'Amul Bhagao-Saras Bachao', signaling a major confrontation between the local cooperative interests and the national dairy giant. Speakers at the event questioned the policies of both the central and state governments, warning that if the expansion of Amul is encouraged at the cost of Saras, the movement will be taken to Delhi.

Criticism of Government Policies and Infrastructure

During the Mahakumbh, Govind Singh Dotasra didn't limit his criticism to the dairy sector. He attacked the government on multiple fronts, including healthcare, education, and agriculture. He stated that the poor aren't receiving proper treatment in hospitals, and government schools are suffering from a lack of buildings and teachers. Plus, he highlighted the plight of farmers who are being forced to deal with counterfeit fertilizers and medicines. Comparing the current administration with the previous Congress government, Dotasra noted that 10 lakh leases were distributed to the poor in five years, whereas the current government's work has stalled due to High Court stays. He also pointed out that elections for Panchayati Raj, cooperatives, student unions, and urban bodies have been delayed for two and a half years.

Threat of Supreme Court Intervention

Ajmer Dairy Chairman Ramchandra Choudhary took a firm stand against the Multi-State Cooperative Dairy Federation model. He alleged that this model is an attempt to weaken the independent cooperative structures of individual states. Choudhary asserted that the cattle rearers of Rajasthan wouldn't tolerate Amul's dominance at the expense of Saras under any circumstances. He issued a stern warning that if the government doesn't reverse its decision regarding Amul's expansion, the cooperative members will approach the Supreme Court. He reiterated that Saras isn't just a dairy brand but a vital network linked to the livelihoods of lakhs of cattle rearers and the cooperative system of Rajasthan.

Prominent Leaders in Attendance

The 'Saras Sahakar Mahakumbh' was attended by several high-profile leaders and representatives. Among those present were former RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore, Mahila Congress President Sarika Singh, and MLA Vikas Choudhary. On top of that, many former MLAs, representatives from 15 district milk unions, and various officials associated with the cooperative sector participated in the event to show their solidarity with the farmers and cattle rearers. The gathering served as a major show of strength, highlighting the growing unrest among the dairy community regarding the entry of external dairy federations into the state's established market.