Sat Jun 21 00:46:45 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Twenty-one government officials in Maharashtra’s Jalna district have been suspended for allegedly embezzling ₹40 crore meant for farmers affected by climate disasters. A five-month investigation revealed that the funds, allocated between 2020 and 2025, were misappropriated through false beneficiaries and inflated land areas on the government’s E-Panchnama portal. A team inspecting records of 2.5 lakh farmers found that most genuine farmers received nothing. The investigation is ongoing.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra Officials Suspended in ₹40 Crore Farmers’ Aid Embezzlement Scandal**

**Mumbai, June 21, 2025** – Twenty-one government officials in Maharashtra’s Jalna district have been suspended following allegations of embezzling ₹40 crore intended to aid farmers impacted by climate disasters. The scandal, uncovered after a five-month probe, involved the misappropriation of funds allocated between 2020 and 2025 for drought and heavy rain relief.

According to Additional District Magistrate Ganesh Mahadik, the scam was centered in Ambad and Ghansawangi tehsils, where ₹80 crore had been designated for farmer assistance. “Of this, ₹40 crore was misappropriated,” Mr. Mahadik stated.

Investigators found evidence of false beneficiaries listed on the government’s E-Panchnama Payment Disbursement portal, including friends and relatives of the accused officials. Inflated land areas and falsified claims of private land ownership were also used to divert funds.

Deputy Collector Manisha Dandage, leading the investigation team, confirmed that a review of records from 2.5 lakh farmers revealed that the majority of genuine claimants received no assistance.

“The investigation is ongoing, and 35 more talathis are currently under scrutiny,” officials said. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability in government aid programs.

Read More