Khodala tribal farmers accuse society of taking signatures but not giving crop loans

Tribal account holders of the Adivasi Seva Society in Khodala have accused the society's administration of serious fraud. The farmers say they were promised fresh loans after their crop loans were waived and were made to sign papers, but no loan was ever disbursed.

Angered, the farmers approached the Mokhada tahsildar, the police station and the Palghar district administration and submitted a memorandum. They have demanded immediate action against those concerned, and have put their side before the administration through the memorandum.

The government had waived the account holders' earlier society loans. In 2024, they applied for new loans for the coming farm work. The account holders say their signatures were taken on the required documents at the society's office and they were assured that the loans would be disbursed by the 30th.

In their application, the account holders have alleged that the loans have still not been disbursed by society secretary Vishnu Joshi. They kept visiting the office repeatedly for the loan but got nothing, leaving the farmers distraught.

With the loan they were entitled to not coming through in the middle of the season, the tribal farmers face a financial crisis. Some account holders have had to pledge household jewellery with moneylenders to meet farming expenses. They have also demanded that the administration conduct a thorough inquiry into the case, deliver immediate justice to the tribal farmers and take legal action against those found guilty of fraud.

Prakasha Gangurde, a farmer from Adoshi, said: "The farmers had trusted the society and expected help from it. But despite repeated requests, the loans were not disbursed, and the farmers are now in financial distress. It is a very serious matter that they have to beg moneylenders for help while the farming season is under way. The administration should inquire into the matter promptly, bring out the truth and take stern action against the guilty."

Umesh Yelmame, deputy sarpanch of Khodala, also drew attention to the matter. He said: "If tribal farmers are not getting the benefit of their own society, it is a very serious matter. Farmers are facing great difficulties because they did not receive financial help in the middle of the season. The administration should conduct a thorough inquiry and ensure justice for the account holders. If it is proved that the farmers were cheated, strict action must be taken against those concerned."