Despite the efforts of MP Jayant Sinha agitation against NTPC coal projects Barkagaon is still continuing. After failure of talks of the stakeholders on last August 6, the Opposition parties are once again going to organise protest march on August 11. In the meeting with MP Jayant Sinha the protestors made several allegations against the NTPC coal project management and blamed that it is violating the land acquisition act of 2013. NTPC Barkagaon Project head AK Das talked to The Pioneer about the issue in detail explaining how the power major is offering the best available compensation and R&R policy.
Many questions were raised on your R&R policy. What are your commentsIJ
NTPC land Compensation and R&R policy in respect of PBCMP is the best as per industry standards in India. We are paying Rs 20 lakh per acre which is one of the highest being paid for acquisition of land. In addition, we have the unique annuity plan wherein in lieu of employment; we are paying amount ranging from Rs 30,000/- to 36,000/- per annum per acre for 30 years with provision for biennial revision of amount. Further, in case of acquisition of house leading to displacement we are providing house in R&R Colony. The colony has been planned with provision for all the basic amenities and facilities like drinking water, roads, public transport, school, pond, community centre etc. Other financial assistance and R&R benefits as per policy are also provided.
Issues are being raised regarding applicability of land Acquisition act 2013IJ
We clarify it again that provisions of land Acquisition act 2013 is not applicable on NTPC Pakri Barwadih Coal Mining Projects.
In addition to what you stated, what other activities are being undertaken by NTPC under R&R/CSRIJ
NTPC has spent over 33 crores till date on various CSR/R&R activities like infrastructure creation, employment generation, health initiatives, skill up-gradation, women empowerment etc in the area.
In the area of Health, regular medical camps with free medicines are conducted by NTPC. In addition, the Mine Developer and Operator had opened a dispensary with full time doctor, paramedical staff and necessary equipments in Dadikalan village. In last three months almost 10,000 patients from project affected area have been treated and provided free medicine. A Mobile Medical Unit with facilities for critical care is also available.
In the field of Education, 18 schools from project affected area have been adopted for developing them as Model School with all the required infrastructure and facilities. A Mobile Science lab with all equipments and regular teacher visits the different schools.
For skill up gradation of project affected persons, we have established an ITI at Barkagaon with all the facilities where 120 students from project affected villages, are now getting training in different trades for skill development. We are also imparting short-term courses like welding, wiring, carpentry, tailoring, embroidery etc. Further, 103 project affected persons are undergoing various training for their skill up gradation to enable them to work in various mining activities.
For employment generation and livelihood support, the MDO has provided direct employment to around 250 project affected persons. Further, indirect employment to about 900 project affected persons /locals has been provided by MDO and other agencies. Besides, there are co-operatives formed by Project Affected Persons executing various infrastructure works in the area thereby providing employment to local / project affected persons. As the mining work progresses, more project affected persons would be trained and provided gainful employment.
Besides this, various other activities like drinking water, distribution of solar lanterns, mosquito net, blankets etc. are being carried out from time to time.