Dairy Subsidies Go to Ministers, Not Farmers: Assam’s Welfare Model Exposed

A storm is brewing in Assam—and its epicenter is not a cyclone, but a dairy farm in Rangiya. The state’s political discourse has been hijacked by a controversy that threatens to expose deep fissures in governance, accountability, and ethical conduct. At the heart of the storm is Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, whose wife has allegedly benefited from a ₹50 lakh government subsidy under a dairy development scheme—sparking outrage, suspicion, and now, a full-blown political crisis.

The questions are not just political—they are moral.

Where Did the Gir Cows Go?

As the scandal snowballs, a curious—and damning—twist has come to light. An RTI inquiry has revealed that 90 Gir cows went missing from Rangiya Railway Station. Coincidentally—or perhaps not—the very dairy firm operated by Minister Baruah’s wife is also based in Rangiya. The Minister himself has claimed that the farm houses 60 to 70 Gir cows. Locals are now openly asking: Are these the same cows that disappeared from Rangiya’s inventory? No, this isn’t wild speculation by the media—it’s a growing concern among citizens of Rangiya, voiced on the streets and in hushed conversations.

RTI activist Dilip Nath has gone a step further, asserting, “I have video evidence that Gir cows were brought for the Sipajhar-based Garukhuti Agricultural Project through Rangiya under the Agriculture Department in 2021-22. Since then, no more Gir cows were transported via Rangiya.” The implication? A direct link between missing state-owned livestock and the assets of a minister’s private family venture.

This is not a charge to be ignored. This is a question of possible misappropriation of public resources, and it demands a transparent, independent probe.

Political Fallout and Ethical Vacuum

The fallout has been fierce. The Nalbari District Congress has launched street protests, with slogans like “Jayanta Malla Baruah Hai Hai” and “Mukhyamantri Hai Hai” echoing through the streets. Former Nalbari MLA Ashok Sarma delivered a scathing rebuke: “He says his wife was involved in dairy business from the start—but has never filed an official declaration. So which of his statements is false?” Sarma added, “He attacks Adani and Ambani to distract—but the real scandal is how a public representative's family is reaping benefits meant for struggling cattle farmers.”

This is not just political mudslinging. It is a grave indictment of nepotism and possible misuse of power.

Even BJP’s own state president Dilip Saikia did not appear eager to defend the Minister outright. He acknowledged discomfort over the ₹50 lakh benefit received by Baruah’s wife and added, “One must be strict with oneself and soft towards others.” His words were measured—but his message clear: all is not well within the ruling party.

A Tale of Two Narratives: Profit or Loss?

Minister Baruah, attempting to defend himself, recently claimed that dairy farming is “not a profitable business.” But this contradicts public statements by another BJP MLA—Padma Hazarika, the man behind the much-hyped Garukhuti project. Hazarika proudly stated that his venture earned ₹30.45 lakh in a year just from selling curd and milk.

Who’s lying? Is dairy business loss-making only when scrutiny reaches the Minister’s doorstep?

The contradictions don’t stop there. The government reportedly sanctioned ₹9 crore for the Garukhuti project in its first phase, specifically to boost local livelihoods and bring in high-yielding Gir cows. If cows bought for such public projects have now vanished—and conveniently appear on the balance sheets of private dairies linked to ministers—then this isn’t just negligence. This is plunder dressed as policy.

Democracy Under Siege: Media in the Crosshairs

At a press conference on Thursday, State Congress President and MP Gaurav Gogoi took the gloves off. He accused BJP ministers and MLAs of intimidating media houses and manipulating government schemes for personal gain. “We’re witnessing a dangerous pattern,” he warned, “where BJP ministers pressure TV channels and portals. Soon, no channel may dare to cover opposition voices. That’s not just a threat to us—it’s a threat to democracy itself.”

Gogoi’s words struck a nerve. In an era where newsrooms are under unprecedented pressure, his statement is a wake-up call for journalists across Assam. If political power is allowed to muzzle the media, the very foundations of our democratic society are at risk.

Public Funds, Private Gains

Let’s be clear: government subsidies for rural development are funded by taxpayers—whether salaried professionals paying income tax or small business owners paying GST. But as Gogoi rightly noted, “Village women get ₹1,200, ministers’ wives walk away with ₹50 lakh.” That’s not change—it’s daylight robbery.

The BJP came to power promising “Paribartan” (change). But is this the change people voted for? A system where public schemes are diverted to political families while genuine beneficiaries wait in vain?

What Now?

This controversy must not be allowed to fade with time or be buried under bureaucratic denials. An independent probe—preferably judicial—must be launched to investigate:

• The disappearance of 90 Gir cows from Rangiya

• The procurement trail of livestock for the Garukhuti project

• The approval process of ₹50 lakh in subsidy to a minister’s spouse

• The failure to declare business interests in public filings

The people of Assam deserve answers—not excuses. This isn’t just about cows. It’s about trust, transparency, and the integrity of our institutions.

And if a minister can’t see the ethical conflict in drawing public money for private gain, perhaps it’s time for voters to teach them a lesson no cow, no curd, and no crore can erase.

Also Read: Who’s Really Milking the Benefits? Assam Dairy Loans Under Fire