Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar has directed state government officials to probe into allegations of a scam in the animal husbandry department's scheme to provide 50 per cent subsidy to farmers for buying cows.

He also asked them to look into allegations of poor upkeep of animals at the Bihar Veterinary College, which has left them malnourished.

"Probe into the matter. We have to assess the problems, else how will be know about them," Nitish directed animal husbandry department (AHD) secretary N. Vijayalakshmi, to which se concurred.

The issues were brought up at the chief minister's Lok Samvad (public interaction) programme in Patna on Monday by a former political leader, Astik Sharma from Aurangabad.

He pointed that the government provides 50 per cent subsidy to people in rural areas who buy two cows for rearing and dairying purposes.

"The AHD believes the cost of two cows to be Rs 1.5 lakh and provides 50 per cent or Rs 75,000 subsidy to them," Astik said.

"However, people in my area don't buy cows. They just arrange them from here and there, get photographs clicked to receive the subsidy, which is then shared with the government officials related to the scheme."

As the chief minister listened patiently, he also alleged that cattle kept at the Bihar Veterinary College campus were severely malnourished because the people tending to them were not providing them dry fodder.

"The officials of Bihar Veterinary College are stealing fodder. Once the cattle become malnourished they auction them. I myself bought 80 such cattle that were being sent to slaughter houses," Astik alleged. He also demanded better prices to dairy farmers for cow's milk.

Bihar has already seen a fodder scam of around Rs 1,000 crore before Nitish's rule and several leaders cutting across party lines, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad and former chief minister Jagannath Mishra have been convicted.

Officials said that though the Bihar Veterinary College doesn't come under the AHD, they will inspect the college and look into the allegations.

Asked about the issues, AHD secretary Vijayalakshmi told The Telegraph : "Our officers have started the probe about allegations of wrongdoing in all districts. We will be able to tell anything clearly after their reports come."