NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) of all states/UTs seeking an inquiry into allegations raised in a complaint that there is severe shortage of fertilisers in many states across the country, which is deeply impacting farmers, especially during the ongoing Kharif season.The NHRC has also directed the secretaries of the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare and the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers to ensure proper management of fertilisers and their distribution to farmers. It has sought action taken reports from both the ministries and all states/UTs within two weeks.In the complaint made to NHRC, it was alleged that farmers are agitated due to lack of timely supply of fertilisers. “The complainant further alleged that the poor farmers, who already struggle with limited resources are now worried and frustrated as they cannot get enough fertilisers to protect their crops,” the notice states.The complainant sought urgent action from the authorities to ensure proper and timely distribution of fertilisers like urea and DAP, and to investigate why these shortages are being witnessed. It was mentioned in the notice that the complainant has also provided the NHRC videos and links pointing at lathicharge and force allegedly being used by the police and authorities against farmers who were waiting or standing in queues for fertilisers. Noting that the allegations made in the complaint are prima facie a serious violation of the human rights of farmers, the bench of NHRC presided by member Priyank Kanoongo has asked the chief secretaries of all states/UTs to issue directives to all district magistrates or the authorities concerned to inquire into the allegations and ensure timely distribution of fertilisers to farmers.The DGPs of all states/UTs have been directed to ensure that no harsh action is taken or force used by police or administrative authorities against farmers waiting in queues to collect fertilisers.
