Mumbai:A day after the dry fruits controversy at a drought review meeting in Nanded, officials in Maharashtra have again come under fire, this time for allegedly using mobile phones and are seen sleeping during a drought review meeting in Akola. Several officials were reportedly seen checking Facebook and WhatsApp while Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne and elected representatives discussed the drought situation in the Amravati division. Bharne said he would seek a report on the incident and take action if required.
When asked about officials allegedly sleeping and being busy on their mobile phones during the meeting, the Maharashtra Agriculture Minister initially downplayed the incident, saying the video was shot when some officials were briefly dozing off. “An important meeting was underway. Which officials do you think would sleep during such a meeting? One or two officials were seen dozing off in the video, but that does not mean all the officials were sleeping. Am I sleeping? Is the chief official sleeping? No official would sleep. They are also sensitive to the drought situation,” he said.
Mr Bharne said the government was committed to undertaking measures for the distressed farmers. The media should not focus on who was sleeping. “Ultimately, all of us have to help farmers who are in distress,” he said.
A video showing cashews and almonds being served to ministers, Lok Sabha members and MLAs at a government meeting in Nanded to review the drought-like situation in Marathwada region has gone viral on social media on Saturday, drawing criticism from the opposition and farmers.
NCP leader Amol Mitkari said some officials were seen chatting on their mobile phones, while others were seen sleeping during the meeting. “The Agriculture Minister has already said that the government has taken serious cognisance of the incident. The minister has indicated that action will be taken against those officials who have failed to show sensitivity towards the farmers,” the NCP leader said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve slammed the BJP led Mahayuti government stating that the ministers do not have sensitivity towards the farmers.
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