Odisha govt announces rehab package for displaced in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Amidst eviction drive around Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced a special relief and rehabilitation package for the affected in the ongoing demolition drive under the protection zone of the 12^th-century shrine.

He announced a special relief and rehabilitation package over and above the normal compensation as per the prevailing Land Acquisition Act.

CM reiterated there will not be any compromise on the security of important heritage city. CM added that apart from the R&R package, a special financial package has been devised to take care of all categories of affected people to develop Puri as a world-class heritage city.

CM said that acquisition of land and properties for the ‘Development of Security Zone around Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri’ will be based on Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 along with a special R&R policy.

The special rehabilitation scheme announced by Government has the provision of rehabilitation and resettlement assistance, compensation, immediate assistance for acquisition of residential lands, shopping units, lodges, rehabilitation of Mutts and assistance for affected street vendors.

The R&R policy will be implemented by Puri Collector. As the acquisition of land and properties is being done based on negotiation, Puri Collector can finalise the changes with approval of Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Central Division, Cuttack.

As the project is planned to be completed by next Ratha Yatra, if the affected person hands over the property which is required for acquisition within 30 days of notification, then the affected persons will get additional 10% incentive on cash benefits under the policy.

As per the package, all the families will be provided with compensation under the special Relief and Rehabilitation scheme. Also, the authorities will provide Rs 50,000 as transport assistance for relocation.

The families will receive Rs 10,000 as monthly rent assistance till they get land and house against land acquisition. However, it will not be applicable to the family receiving assistance at one time.

Under the rehabilitation scheme, the displaced families will be given three options to receive compensation from the government.

The family can avail Rs 30 lakh assistance or they will be offered a 520 sqft area house at a proposed rehabilitated colony located within 1.5 km area off Srimandir or a 40 X 25 ft land within 2 km of the shrine.

For the victims whose shops have been demolished in ongoing eviction drive in Puri, the government announced to provide Rs 50,000 as compensation for transport and other expenses.

Similarly, the government announced Rs 30,000 assistance for small vendors, who have been displaced in the eviction drive.

For Mathas within Security zone, a detailed resettlement plan has been made which will be implemented by Puri Collector in consultation with concerned spiritual establishments.