Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007
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Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 ePaper |
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Infrastructure Agri-Biz & Commodities - Agricultural Policy Industry & Economy - Real Estate & Construction Two-tier compensation package for farmers likely Our Bureau
On cards The new plan would include a one-time payment and also a long-term security arrangement through a staggered payment system. There would be uniformity in defining marginal farmers and local conditions would be factored in.
New Delhi , Jan. 16 The Central Government is examining a new national two-tier compensation package for farmers who could be losing their agricultural land to proposed industrial estates and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The new plan would include a one-time payment to the persons whose land would be acquired by the Government and also a long-term security arrangement through a staggered payment system. The second compensatory payment could be either a monthly or annual fixed amount to be provided by the companies that would set up the project and would continue for the lifetime of the project, the Minister of State for Industries, Mr Ashwini Kumar, told reporters here. "It would be a compensation in perpetuity till the project lasts," Mr Kumar said adding that the proposal was being examined by the Government, particularly keeping in mind the conditions of marginal farmers. Interestingly, the proposal has been suggested by the industry itself during interactions with the Government. "Industry itself has come up with the suggestion of long-term compensation and it would continue for the lifetime of the project," Mr Kumar said. Asked about the problems that may come up in defining marginal farmers since it varies from State to State, Mr Kumar said that there would be uniformity and local conditions would be factored in.
PM's assurance
The move follows the assurance given by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, earlier this month when he told a gathering of industrialists about a proposed rehabilitation plan for farmers being evicted from their land to make way for industrial projects and said that "the new policy will be more progressive and humane to the long-term welfare of all stakeholders." The Prime Minister had said that the new rehabilitation policy would be finalised in three months to tackle the triple issues of land acquisition, displacement of people and their rehabilitation in a transparent manner.
Major impediment
Acquisition of farmland for industrial purposes has become an impediment in the Government's efforts of industrialisation across the States. Recently, Tata's proposed small car project at Singur in West Bengal had led to massive social unrest in the State and the Prime Minister and President had to intervene to bring down the rising tensions, though a solution still remains elusive. As of date, similar opposition is continuing against acquisition of land for a proposed SEZ at Nandigram, also in West Bengal, and has already claimed lives. Similar problems had cropped up in Orissa for the Korean steel maker POSCO's proposed 10-million-tonne steel plant. Tension is also brewing in States such as Haryana, Punjab and Maharashtra even though the Centre is moving ahead with approvals for new SEZs in different States. The Minister, however, maintained that the Government had its concerns about the emotional issues of the farmers.
Related Stories: More Stories on : Infrastructure | Agricultural Policy | Real Estate & Construction
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