With few takers among the "unwilling" land-losers at Singur for its rehabilitation package, the West Bengal government today announced that it would offer a new package after the Durga pujas to those affected by land acquisition in the state.
Commerce and Industry Secretary Sabyasachi Sen told reporters at the Writers' Buildings that the government was working on the new rehabilitation package.
"The government is working on it. It will be announced after the pujas," Sen said.
The announcement of the fresh package came as only 70 of over 2000 "unwilling" land-losers at Singur turned up to receive the compensation package that was announced on September 14, inspite of the government extending the deadline by two days.
At Singur, Hooghly District Magistrate Neelam Meena said that altogether 70 farmers took the enhanced rehabilitation package.
"Altogether 25 farmers took their compensation cheques in the last two days — 13 today and 12 yesterday," Meena said.
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Earlier 45 farmers had accepted the cheques.
The government had offered 10 per cent over and above the 50 per cent in the rehabilitation package, which was advertised in newspapers on September 14.
Besides, those affected would be eligible to 300 days wages at National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) rate, subject to verification of residence status.
On September 15, addressing a mammoth 'pro-Nano' rally organised by the Left Front at Singur, its chairman Biman Bose had said all those who had not taken compensation would be entitled to an additional 10 per cent more, if they took their cheques within September 22.