Suspension of 163 Agriculture Extension Officers Over Digital Survey Sparks Uproar
Hyderabad October 22,2024
In a growing controversy surrounding the Department of Agriculture’s digital crop survey, 163 Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) have been suspended for failing to conduct the survey, leading to widespread discontent. The suspensions were ordered by Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan Rao and executed by Director Gopi on Tuesday, following complaints that the officers had not downloaded or used the digital survey app, despite providing other reasons for their inability to perform the task.
AEOs across the state have been protesting for the last 29 days, claiming they are being unfairly targeted for not completing the digital survey. They argue that assistants should have been provided to help with the implementation of the central government’s digital crop survey. Further, they allege that the suspensions were unjust, accusing Agriculture Commissioner Raghunandan Rao of financial misconduct involving app development and maintenance contracts awarded to family members, leading to the imposition of the app on the officers.
The AEOs are voicing frustrations that their workload has become unmanageable, with each officer being responsible for over 10,000 acres of farmland, far exceeding the intended 5,000-acre limit per officer. They also lament that the digital tools provided, such as tablets, are outdated and no longer functional. Many AEOs report being overburdened, working as both DTP operators in government schemes and as facilitators in farmer forums.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of AEOs has announced that officers will not return to duty until the suspensions are lifted. Chairman of the State Human Rights Committee, Badhavat Rajkumar, attempted to mediate by visiting the Agriculture Commissioner’s office, but Director Gopi refused to meet with him.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has responded to the escalating situation, demanding the immediate removal of Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan Rao. The AEOs remain firm in their stance, stating they have reached the end of their patience after years of being subjected to what they describe as oppressive conditions, and will not tolerate further mistreatment.
The mass suspension has caused widespread disruption, with AEOs across the state submitting mass leave letters to their respective Assistant Directors of Agriculture (ADAs) in protest. The future of the digital crop survey and the broader implications for the agriculture department remain uncertain as the standoff continues.
