Panaji: Agriculture minister Sankalp Amonkar said on Thursday that he will prioritise increasing the existing subsidies to farmers. Amonkar said he will clear claims of Goa Ujjwala Yojana, under which govt provides three free cylinders in the financial year, within 15 days.State govt transfers Rs 3,000 to beneficiaries under the scheme but has not set an income limit to avail it. He said the delay in disbursement under the Ujjwala scheme is because many people have applied for the subsidy under a single card.The minister said that 1 lakh beneficiaries have received the amount under the scheme and 1.5 lakh beneficiaries’ applications are pending.“Farmers get very little amount as subsidies, and if I can increase the subsidies for farmers then I will be able to become a successful minister. I will take up the issue with the chief minister and try to increase the subsidies,” said Amonkar.“I will clear all the pending things within two months,” he said, adding that agriculture is a large portfolio and there is ample scope for work. Amonkar said many govt schemes exist, but only a few people avail them, and he will raise awareness to ensure the public knows about the schemes and applies for benefits.Speaking about farmers who have faced hardship due to deficit rainfall, the minister said govt will help such farmers.He also met with the agriculture, civil supplies and handicraft departments, adding that he will fast-track ongoing projects to complete them soon.Speaking on the issue of mushrooming scrap yards on agricultural lands, he said that he will act against those illegal scrapyards.Accusing govt of making grand announcements without ensuring timely delivery of benefits, Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai strongly criticised govt over the delay in disbursing financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to women who applied for the LPG cylinder subsidy.Sardesai said that out of 3 lakh applicants, only around 1 lakh applicants have received the subsidy.
