🚨 #ExpressInvestigation | The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, received a subsidy of Rs 99 lakh for his cucumber farm under a scheme administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The subsidy was granted under the "Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Crops" scheme, which aims to promote large-scale commercial cultivation of select vegetables and flowers. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries — including individuals, farmer groups, companies, cooperatives and other institutions — can receive a subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the project cost, capped at Rs 1 crore per family. The subsidy is linked to a term loan taken for the project and is released after the completion of the project, following multiple stages of approval and inspection by the National Horticulture Board (NHB). Express Investigation by: Harikishan Sharma

Centre Responds to Naveen Patnaik's Complaint; Odisha Grameen Bank Manager Suspended Over Jitu Munda Claim Delay In a swift response to a complaint raised by Leader of Opposition @Naveen_Odisha , the Ministry of Finance has informed that the claim of a deceased depositor at Odisha Grameen Bank's Malliposi branch in Keonjhar district has been settled, while disciplinary action has been taken against the concerned Branch Manager. In a letter dated June 12, 2026, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary wrote to Naveen Patnaik, confirming that the account holder's claim amounting to ₹19,402 was settled in favour of Jitu Munda and two legal heirs after necessary documents, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate, were submitted with the help of local administration. Naveen Patnaik had earlier written to the Union Finance Minister on May 2, 2026, highlighting the alleged hardship faced by the family due to procedural delays at the bank branch. The Ministry acknowledged that while adherence to banking procedures is essential, such processes must be implemented with "due sensitivity, empathy, and effective communication," especially in rural and tribal areas. According to the letter, Odisha Grameen Bank (OGB) has suspended the Branch Manager of the Malliposi branch. The bank has also issued an advisory to all its field functionaries to ensure compassionate and transparent customer service. Furthermore, the Department of Financial Services has issued a directive to all 28 Regional Rural Banks across the country on May 29, 2026, advising them to strengthen citizen-centric banking practices and prevent recurrence of similar incidents, particularly for customers from rural, tribal, and vulnerable sections. #Odisha