Assam: Rs 50 Lakh Dairy Subsidy to Minister’s Aide Triggers Row

As Assam reels under allegations of large-scale irregularities in a Rs 50-lakh government-subsidised dairy farm scheme, one name from the official beneficiary list has come under sharp public scrutiny — Lilajyoti Phukan, a businessman from Demow in Sivasagar district and a Class-I contractor with the Water Resources Department, known for his close association with Assam’s Agriculture Minister Atul Bora.

A ground investigation by Pratidin Time reveals a grim reality at the site of Phukan’s supposed dairy farm: an abandoned structure, no cows in sight, and empty animal sheds that once housed pigs and cattle. While his name figures as beneficiary number 14 on the government’s list of selected recipients for the Rs 50-lakh Rajsahajyajukta Dugdha Pam Unnayan Asoni (state-aided dairy development scheme), the farm lies in ruins — devoid of livestock, milk production, or any sign of ongoing dairy activity.

'There Were 17 Cows, Now Nothing Remains'

Speaking to our reporter, the farm's caretaker — who has worked at the site for over three years — confirmed, “Initially, there were pigs. Then he brought 17 cows. Now, nothing remains. Some cows died, others were sold by the owner.”

Lilajyoti Phukan, a man of considerable means with multiple assets and business interests, is an unusual choice for a subsidy aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods through dairy farming. His selection has raised a flurry of questions about fairness, transparency, and political patronage in the disbursement of public funds.

Beneficiary or Benefactor?

Sources allege that Phukan’s proximity to Minister Atul Bora paved the way for his inclusion in the list. Critics argue that this is a blatant example of how schemes meant for economically struggling farmers and rural youth are being hijacked by those with deep political connections and financial clout.

“He got the subsidy not because of need, but because of his political ties,” a local resident said, pointing to Phukan’s visible wealth and past business successes.

Out of the 15 beneficiaries already under the scanner, Pratidin Time has reported on five — including spouses of ministers, MLAs, top government officials, and prominent businessmen. The revelation that the scheme has bypassed genuine grassroots dairy farmers has sparked statewide outrage.

‘Clean Government’ Claims in Question

The Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has strongly condemned the selection process, terming it a betrayal of public trust. A local AJYCP leader in Demow told Pratidin Time:

“This scheme was supposed to uplift the deserving farmers. But what’s the point of releasing a beneficiary list if it’s only a formality to legalise nepotism? If the names of ministers' close aides are not removed, we will launch a statewide agitation. The government keeps preaching about ‘Nika Sarkar’ (clean government), but this is outright corruption.”

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