In a first, family clash reported over new paddy purchase norm in Odisha

BARGARH: A recent family dispute, which escalated into a violent clash in Bargarh district, reportedly over new paddy procurement registration process has seemingly confirmed the very apprehensions the farmers’ bodies had voiced when the rules were first announced.

On August 9, a woman in Kanabar Sahutikra within Barpali police limits suffered a serious head injury after she was allegedly attacked by her father-in-law and brother-in-law following an argument over preparing a paddy card.

According to sources, the victim, Geetanjali Sahu, had apparently insisted on being included inthe registration, claiming a share in family’s farmland.

However, her in-laws opposed citing she had no legal share. The verbal altercation soon escalated following which the in-laws attacked Geetanjali with an axe and an iron rod. Geetanjali was rushed to the hospital by her husband and she later lodged a written complaint accusing her in-laws of attempting to kill her.

The incident, meanwhile, has intensified calls to immediately rollback the controversial norms. Few weeks back, the Sanjukta Krushak Sangathan had issued warningsstating that the new family tree requirement for joint landholdings could trigger intra-family tensions. With majority of farmers in the state holding joint pattas, the farmers’ body argued that disputes over ownership verification would not only delay registration but could also strain family relationships and push genuine cultivators out of the procurement system.The delay is particularly concerning given the registration window ending on August 20. While farmer outfits across the district have intensified protests opposing the new norms, the Jai Kisan Andolan has announced to hold a protest meeting in this regard in front of the Bargarh collectorate on Tuesday.

The farmers’ body will also submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking and extension of the registration deadline till September 20, self-declaration-based registration for this year, time-bound correction of land records and settlement of ‘Chakbandi’ disputes within a year besides procurement of paddy from borewell-