Gaurav Gogoi Writes to PM Modi Over Assam's Dairy Scheme Irregularities

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Assam government’s flagship dairy initiative, the “Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022–23)” scheme. In his letter, Gaurav Gogoi accuses the state government of gross misuse of public funds and political favoritism in the allocation of subsidies, which he says undermines the principles of transparency and justice.

The scheme, which is financially backed by the Assam government, offers subsidies of up to ₹50 lakh per unit to promote entrepreneurship in the dairy sector and boost milk production across the state. However, Gogoi alleges that the intended beneficiaries, genuine, long-standing dairy farmers, have been sidelined in favour of politically connected individuals.

“Several recipients of the scheme's benefits appear to be family members or associates of Ministers and MLAs in the state government, while, long-standing dairy farmers, particularly in districts like Bongaigaon, have reportedly been overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling the eligibility requirements.”

He emphasized that the exclusion of experienced dairy entrepreneurs casts “serious doubts about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.” Gogoi also criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s response to the controversy, calling it “equally alarming.”

“Equally alarming is the response from the Chief Minister of Assam, who chose to justify the inclusion of ministers' family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries. This open endorsement of political favoritism has fuelled public outrage for undermining the constitutional values of equality and justice," he added in the letter.

Gogoi stressed that such public justification was a “serious breach of the oath of office,” pointing out that elected officials are sworn to act impartially and in the public interest. He said the developments “cast doubt on the state government's adherence to ethical governance and the rule of law.”

In addition to the dairy scheme, Gogoi raised separate concerns about the Gorukhuti agricultural project, another state-sponsored initiative intended for community development. Funded by over ₹5.5 crore in public money, the project involved procurement of high-yield Gir cows from Gujarat.

He wrote, "Official records indicate that these were allocated to several elected representatives, including the firm owned by the wife of Jayanta Malla Baruah (Cabinet Minister & MLA, Nalbari), Bhupen Pegu (MLA, Jonai), Utpal Borah (MLA, Gohpur), Diganta Kalita (MLA, Kamalpur), and Dilip Saikia (Member of Parliament). The diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by over 5.5 crore in public funds compromises the very objective of Government programs designed to promote inclusive development."

The APCC President contended that “the diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by public funds compromises the very objective of Government programs designed to promote inclusive development.”

He cautioned that if politically-connected individuals continue to “siphon off benefits meant for the poor,” the government risks alienating the very communities these welfare schemes are meant to serve.

“These actions go against the very principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable access,” he said. “In the interest of justice and public trust, I urge your office to instruct the government to initiate an enquiry into the matter at the earliest.”

Gogoi concluded his letter with a call for urgent intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office, asserting, “I trust that this matter will be taken with the seriousness it deserves. I look forward to your prompt intervention on these issues.”

The allegations come at a time when the Assam government has been under fire over questions of favoritism and irregularities in allocation of resources under various welfare schemes. The opposition has demanded a probe and greater accountability in both the dairy and agriculture sectors.

ALSO READ: Dhola Dairy Plant in Ruins as Subsidy Scandal Rocks Assam