New deal for land oustees
Acquisition of land for developing large new projects might now come with a different flavour, offering greater flexibility to the developer as well as the land oustee. The new national Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) policy gives landowners the option of taking 20 per cent of the rehabilitation grant as shares in the projects that displace them.
NOD FOR R&R POLICY |
| Cabinet clears National Policy on Rehabilitation and Resettlement |
| Displaced families to be given a stake in the project |
| Jobs for affected family members |
The government can also give prior approval for hiking the proportion given as shares to as much as 50 per cent of the grant. To avoid discontent among the oustees, the policy lays emphasis on a strong redressal mechanism.
A National Rehabilitation Commission is proposed to be set up. At the district and project level, there will be standing R&R committees and an ombudsman. While the government has attempted a liberal R&R policy, it remains to be seen how the oustees take to it.
