A Call for Transparency and Fairness in East Kameng's Land Compensation
In the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) has voiced concerns over the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project's land compensation process. The organisation has urged the state's chief secretary to personally oversee the reverification of affected lands, citing the need for transparency and fairness.
The Need for Supervision and Equity
The EKSWCO, representing the affected families, welcomed the state government's decision to initiate physical reverification of land compensation. However, they expressed concerns about potential irregularities and called for the chief secretary's direct involvement to ensure fairness and public confidence.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The EKSWCO demanded immediate constitution of a rehabilitation and resettlement committee under Section 45 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013. They also nominated their chairperson and general secretary as voluntary organisation representatives to observe the reverification process.
Furthermore, the EKSWCO urged the East Kameng deputy commissioner to publish the draft compensation list, detailing the rates and quantum of compensation, along with justifications and references to similar projects in the state. They demanded a 30-day window for the affected families to raise objections before any disbursement.
Relevance to the North East Region and India
The Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is a significant infrastructure development for the region. The call for transparency and fairness in land compensation highlights the importance of adhering to legal procedures and ensuring the rights of affected citizens are protected in such projects. This issue resonates with other parts of India, where similar infrastructure developments have faced allegations of irregularities in land compensation.
Reflections and Looking Forward
As the reverification process begins, it is crucial for the state government to address the concerns raised by the EKSWCO. Ensuring transparency and fairness in the compensation process will not only safeguard the interests of the affected landowners but also bolster public trust in the government's ability to manage such projects effectively.