The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Compensation for project displaced at market value

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Saturday, Apr 30, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Compensation for project displaced at market value

Special Correspondent

New system chosen for oustees' benefit

HYDERABAD: Compensation to the oustees of irrigation projects will be paid hereafter at market value and through "consent awards." The "consent award" route has been chosen by the Government as it will benefit the oustees more than earlier.

Under the earlier system, the Government could acquire land by just depositing 70 per cent of the market value in the court. This system has been given up now, lest the oustees are unhappy. Under the consent award, Collectors have been empowered to increase the compensation by 50 per cent if the affected family is still aggrieved.

Boon for oustees

If the family is unhappy even after this, it can approach the State Committee headed by the Chief Commissioner for Land Administration for further hike. The new concept with additional leverage given for further hikes is expected to be a boon for oustees.

This policy shift was decided at a meeting here on Friday at which the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, reviewed the land acquisition issues. The meeting was attended by the Major Irrigation and Revenue Ministers, P. Lakshmaiah and D. Prasada Rao.

Speaking to reporters later, Mr Lakshmaiah, however, ruled out additional compensation in old cases in line with the new policy, saying "settled cases will not be reopened."

The Minister said commissioners would be appointed in a week from among joint collectors to prepare project-wise rehabilitation and resettlement packages in tune with the new policy finalised at the Centre's instance.

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