Rs 10K-crore package for land losers: Mamata Banerjee on coal project

Tribune News Service

New Delhi November 9

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced a compensation package of Rs 10,000 crore for those who would get displaced or affected due to the Deocha-Pachami coal mine project in Birbhum district.

The state has been allotted the Deocha Pachami Harinsingha Dewanganj — world’s second-largest coal block — by the Centre.

“We will not do anything like what had happened in Singur (forcible land acquisition for a car project). We will start the project with a government-owned land. We are a pro-people government. We don’t believe in doing things by force”, she told the Assembly.

“One member of every family who will have to give up either their home or land will be provided jobs in the police force as junior constable. The government has zeroed in on a compensation package of Rs 10,000 crore for those who would get affected due to the project”, she said in the Assembly.

Banerjee noted that the mining project had the potential of generating nearly one lakh jobs in Birbhum and its neighbouring districts.

“The state is investing Rs 35,000 crore in this project over 3.04 lakh acres. Of this, around 1 lakh make for government-owned land. We have spoken to all stakeholders to ensure their interests are secured,” she added.

Govt jobs for those affected

• One member of every affected family to get job in police as junior constable, announces Mamata.
• State investing Rs35,000 crore in the project, which spans an area of 3.04 lakh acres, including one-third govt-owned land.