Odisha to introduce new rehab and resettlement policy for land losers

22 Nov 2024 CW Team

The state government is set to introduce a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy in 2025, featuring a pioneering "land-for-land" compensation approach for those displaced by industrial and infrastructure projects.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, announced on Wednesday that the new policy aims to protect farmers' interests by offering land parcels instead of cash compensation. He explained that many farmers struggle to utilize monetary compensation effectively, as their expertise lies in agriculture. The policy, he added, ensures that farmers can continue their traditional occupation.

The "land-for-land" option will be available alongside the existing cash-for-land compensation. This new policy will replace the 2006 policy. The framework establishes two distinct categories for land acquisition: private industrial projects will face stringent scrutiny to prevent excessive land accumulation beyond project requirements. The minister emphasized that the aim is to ensure optimal land utilization and prevent speculative hoarding by industries.

However, the policy takes a more flexible approach for government projects, as these involve inter-departmental land transfers within the government machinery.

The new policy, expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the state, marks a significant shift from the current cash-based compensation system. It will be implemented after receiving the necessary legislative approval, officials stated.

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