BJP MP Hansraj Ahir today accused the state government of short-changing farmers from the district by offering them a meagre compensation for land acquired and said farmers are ready to return the amount against the "injustice".
"...Many projects for which swathes of land were acquired have failed to take-off till date, even after lapse of over two decades. Poor farmers are driven out of their land, which is a great injustice", Ahir said.
Ahir led a march of Project Affected People (PAPs) from Ghodpeth village to the office of district collector for justice to farmers. Thousands of farmers and PAPs participated in the 20-km long march.
"The district tops the country in land acquisition by the government for various projects. However, farmers are given meagre Rs.16,000 to Rs.35,000 per hectare as compensation in lieu of their lands. In all, over 2.5 lakh acres of land was acquired for various projects in the district leaving the poor farmers and PAPs in a lurch", the MP said.
He also alleged that the kin of PAPs are still awaiting recruitment as promised by the state government
Ahir also demanded additional package for farmers at par with prevailing market rate from private firms who have acquired land for setting up various projects.
Local BJP leaders Atul Deshkar, Nana Shamkule and others also addressed the gathering outside the district collectorate.
Later, a delegation led by Ahir submitted a memorandum to district collector Deepak Mhaisekar.
