Rewari farmers dig in heels, want relief at UPA-set rates

Geetanjali Gayatri

Tribune news Service

Chandigarh, December 17

Land acquisition for the multi-model logistics hub in Rewari got complicated when farmers refused to part with their land for the project.

The delegation represented by two landowners from each of the 16 Bawal villages where land is being acquired, submitted the resolutions passed by their respective gram panchayats, saying they were being offered less compensation for their land.

The committee of ministers headed by Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu met the farmers to resolve the issue of lower compensation for their land. He also assured the farmers that he would take up the matter with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

However, the local BJP MLAs, also present at the meeting, stated the farmers’ interests would be protected at all costs. Sources said the farmers demanded that their land should be released from acquisition or compensation should be paid in tune with the Central legislation passed by the previous Congress-led UPA government.

“The government announced the award for land acquisition on December 4. The multiplier for rural areas supposed to be 2 has been calculated at 1, and the solatium paid to the farmers has been cut from 100% to 30% only. This is not acceptable especially since none of us are keen on parting with our land,” said Nihal Singh, a farmer who initially submitted a representation to the Revenue Department on the lowering of the multiplier.

The delegation of farmers also pointed out to the committee that senior BJP leaders including then BJP president Ram Bilas Sharma had supported their agitation against land acquisition during the Congress rule in the state and had stood by them while claiming that no injustice would be tolerated.

“It was on these grounds that the entire Ahirwal belt voted for the BJP. Since senior leaders backed our cause, they cannot backtrack just because they are in the government,” the farmers pointed out to the committee.

While Capt Abhimanyu heard all the farmers individually, he asked the farmers to raise their hands if they were not in favour of giving up their land. In response to this, nearly all the farmers raised their hands and sought some assurance from the minister.

However, the Finance Minister told them that he would convey their sentiments and their grievance to the Chief Minister who would take a final call. After he left, the local BJP leaders from the Ahirwal belt assured the farmers that their interests would be kept in mind while taking a decision.

Meanwhile, Capt Abhimanyu said many things had come to light during the meeting and after due consideration, the government would take a decision in public interest. He said the people of the area would be benefitted with the proposed acquisition.