The Person of Importance in Agriculture or AIP award is being given since 2020. This time also 22 people received this award of CIP status in five categories.
On Sunday (July 7) at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital Dr. Abdus Shaheed presented the award. However, 13 medal winners of 2020 are in trouble.
According to the 2019 policy, they got none of the government benefits they were supposed to get. Several people came to the award ceremony and expressed their disappointment.
These agricultural entrepreneurs complained that the Ministry of Agriculture has finished its duty by handing over the medals. None of the government benefits that were supposed to be provided are available. On the contrary, they have to be harassed while taking these benefits. Policies are only on paper, not in reality. Many people fear that those who have recently received this medal will also be subjected to harassment while taking advantage.
Apart from the Agriculture Minister, State Minister for Expatriate Welfare Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury was also present at the function on Sunday. Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhtar presided. At that time, the Minister of Agriculture mentioned the recipients as the captain of the ship who received AIP.
The Ministry of Agriculture formulated the AIP policy in 2019. For the first time, 13 people were awarded in 2020. A notification was also issued by the Ministry of Agriculture that the awardees will get facilities like CIPs.
It said, for the AIP medalists, a certificate from the Ministry, entry pass to the Secretariat, invitation to civic receptions at various national events; While traveling by air, rail, road and water, there will be priority in reservation of seats in government-run public transport and priority in availing cabin facilities in government hospitals for treatment of self and family members.
Apart from this they get the facility of using the VIP lounge at the airport. However, none of those who have already received this medal have received such benefits.
Salim Reza, a successful agri-entrepreneur of Natore established 'Darshanta Agro Farm and Nursery' on 200 bigha land. He received the AIP Medal in 2020. He was also given a card for one year to avail the medal benefits. However, Salim Reza complained that he had to be harassed by showing this card to take advantage.
Another medalist, who did not wish to be named, said that he was never given any benefits as per the policy, but instead had to be subjected to harassment. Authorities said there is no such directive when it comes to using the VIP lounge at the airport. The same is the case with entry into the Secretariat. No authority is aware of such directives from the Ministry of Agriculture.
In this regard, the Agriculture Minister said, it is not known what benefits the AIP awardees will get. I will look into why you are not getting the benefits you were supposed to get. If it is necessary to give any further instructions in this regard, I will do so. We are determined to honor the medal winning farmers.