Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Raises Alarm Over Farmer Distress and Health Scheme Crisis
In a press briefing on Sunday, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot voiced grave concerns regarding the plight of farmers in Rajasthan, attributing their distress to repeated hailstorms and erratic weather patterns. He also launched a sharp critique against the state government for its alleged failure to clear pending payments under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), describing the medical situation as "dangerous".
Climate Change Impacts and Farmer Compensation Demands
Gehlot emphasized that continuous adverse weather events have left farmers in a state of severe distress, linking the damage directly to the growing impacts of climate change. "Continuous adverse weather has left farmers in distress. This is a matter of great concern," he stated, urging immediate government action. He called for prompt compensation to prevent further hardship, noting, "The government should pay attention to this right now, so that farmers can receive timely compensation and their backs are not broken. The condition of farmers is very bad." Gehlot added that storms, hail, and cold waves were "breaking the hearts" of the agricultural community.
RGHS Payment Delays and Healthcare Crisis
Turning to healthcare, Gehlot alleged that dues of nearly Rs 1,000 crore remain unpaid under the RGHS, leading to severe consequences. He reported that medicine shop owners have ceased drug supplies due to non-payment, and private hospitals are now charging patients between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, citing government defaults. These hospitals have also halted treatment under the scheme, exacerbating the crisis for beneficiaries.
Political Criticism Over Social Media Series
Gehlot further criticized BJP leaders for their response to his social media series, ‘Intezarshastra', accusing them of evading questions. "They do not even dare to respond ... they just twist and divert the matter in another direction," he remarked. He pointed out that despite BJP figures like Ghanshyam Tiwari, Madan Rathore, and Rajendra Rathore, along with the Chief Minister, speaking on the issue, they have failed to provide clear answers, highlighting a perceived lack of accountability.
Overall, Gehlot's statements underscore mounting challenges in Rajasthan's agricultural and healthcare sectors, with calls for urgent governmental intervention to address both farmer welfare and health scheme inefficiencies.
