Rehab policy final note ready for Cabinet nod

The rural development ministry is set to submit its final note on the draft rehabilitation policy to the Cabinet this week. The policy is likely to be passed this month, amid rising protests against land acquisition for industries.

The draft note, which was sent to states and various ministries was given final shape 20 days ago after incorporating suggestions from all concerned, including NGOs and activists led by Medha Patkar.

The ministry has been describing the policy as "pro-oustees" and the one which provides for a "rich" rehabilitation package.

The main changes which have been incorporated in the draft that will be sent to the Cabinet include setting up of a statutory rehabilitation council in every state and a compensation package which will give land for land wherever possible, ministry sources say.

The provision for social impact and environment impact assessments, missing in the SEZ Act, has also been added to the draft following inputs from public, state governments and NGOs.

According to the note, oustees would have several options for compensation, including allotment of a house site to each affected family.

This, however, would not be more than 150 sq metres in rural areas and 75 sq metres in urban areas.

Allotting cultivable land to the extent of land acquired, subject to the limit of one hectare for irrigated land and two for unirrigated land and a rehabilitation grant equivalent to 750 days of minimum agricultural wages has also been suggested.

If the acquired land is to be used to build houses, the affected family will get an apartment in the project area while fishing rights will be given land if an irrigation project is planned at the site. The note proposes that the entire compensation be disbursed before the work begins.

The rehabilitation councils will be entrusted with conducting environmental and social impact assessments for each project that affects 400 or more families, or 200 or more families in case of tribals, and draw up plans for rehabilitation.

While the Centre will have an advisory role, the onus of rehabilitation will be on state governments, which will be free to offer better packages.

Rehabilitation plan for affected families would be vetted by local bodies. Under the proposed policy, resettlement shall begin 45 days after being published in the official gazette.