New policy for rehabilitation & resettlement of land losers in Odisha soon

Odisha Government has plans to introduce a new policy for rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced people, including amendments to the existing policy. This is focused on providing land to those who have been displaced, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday.

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According to sources, the State government previously implemented regulations in 2006 to offer compensation and rehabilitation of individuals losing land due to various development projects. However, in the last 17 years since, no changes have been made. Therefore, amendments are deemed necessary in this regard.

“We will bring new R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement) policy in 2024 or the first half of 2025. The Revenue Department is reviewing if lands can be given to displaced persons. The people of Odisha will see a new R&R policy soon,” Minister Pujari stated.

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Earlier yesterday, a decision was made to propose necessary amendments in a meeting of the Standing Committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker. Officials concerned are to submit their proposals regarding this. The opinions of the public must be taken, the Minister advised.

Moreover, the Revenue Department will probe when allocating land to private industries to ensure that they are not allocated more land than required. It is the responsibility of the Department to conduct inspections before allocating land, the Minister asserted.