Concerned over the suicide of a farmer in the drought-hit Burdwan district, West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta has asked the district administration to submit a report on the incident immediately. Mr Dasgupta, who is monitoring the situation in 11 districts declared drought-hit recently, said the report would be forwarded to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. The suicide by 45-year-old Yunus Sheikh, first reported case of farmer suicide this year, incidentally took place when the chief minister was on a visit to the district yesterday, considered the rice bowl of the state. His family said he had taken loans last year for raising crops on his land, but lack of rains this year had driven him to desperation. After Nadia and Burdwan, Mr Bhattacharjee today reviewed the drought situation in South 24-Parganas district during a meeting with the district administration.
News On AIR | August 23, 2010 1:51 PM
State govt asks for report on farmer's suicide from Burdwan administration