Coming down heavily on complaints pertaining to obnoxiously low claim settlements under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ranging from ₹1, ₹3, ₹5, and ₹21 in some cases, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government will not allow a “mockery” of farmers. Chouhan also launched a detailed investigation into the matter.

Chouhan held a high-level meeting on Monday to address issues faced by farmers regarding the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and complaints related to claim payments, according to the ministry.

“Receiving claims of ₹1, ₹3, ₹5, or ₹21 is a mockery of farmers, and the government will not allow this to continue,” he said.

Chouhan ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, issued strict instructions to insurance companies and officials in favor of farmers, and emphasized that claims must be paid quickly and simultaneously. “The damage assessment must be done through an accurate system,” he added, instructing officials to make necessary amendments to the scheme provisions to remove inconsistencies, according to a release from the ministry.

During the meeting, the minister connected virtually with some farmers from Maharashtra and listened to their concerns directly, demanding answers from officials, the ministry said. He clearly stated that farmers will not be troubled under any circumstances.

Chouhan ordered the CEO of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to conduct thorough on-field investigations into such cases where claims were around ₹1, ₹2, or ₹5 and to also talk to local collectors and insured farmers to ascertain the reality, the ministry added.

Furthermore, he directed a scientific examination of the authenticity of remote sensing-based damage assessments and instructed a review of guidelines that allow insurance for very low amounts, revising them as necessary. He emphasized that claim payments should not be delayed. He also instructed insurance companies to ensure their representatives are present during the damage survey so that no irregularities occur and farmers receive their rightful claims.

Chouhan also directed officials to coordinate with all states to ensure timely deposit of their shares so that affected farmers can receive claim payments promptly. “States that delay should be charged 12 per cent interest — a significant provision made by the Centre for farmers’ benefit. He questioned why the Central Government should be defamed due to states’ negligence in subsidy payment,” the release added.