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The Odisha government is set to revamp its Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy, replacing the 2006 framework with a more farmer-centric approach. Key features include a "land-for-land" compensation model for displaced farmers and stringent measures to prevent land misuse by private industries. With substantial new investments on the horizon, the state aims to reclaim underutilized lands to facilitate industrial growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. The policy, currently in the drafting phase with input from multiple sub-committees, is poised to bring significant changes to land acquisition and utilization practices in Odisha.
In a decisive move to modernize its land governance, the Odisha government has initiated an overhaul of its Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) policy, originally instituted in 2006. This initiative, discussed in a recent housing committee meeting chaired by the Deputy Speaker, aims to address the inefficiencies and misuses observed in land allocations over the past decades. Advertisement
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted concerns regarding private industries that acquired land but failed to utilize it effectively, even after 10-15 years. He noted that some projects have seen no progress for over five years, and certain plots have been repurposed for unauthorized activities. In response, the Revenue Department has directed district collectors to identify such cases, with plans to legally reacquire these lands.
The state has recently signed 154 new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with private investors, amounting to INR 12 lakh crore in capital investment, with an anticipated additional INR 17 lakh crore. Given the limited availability of land, the government plans to reclaim underutilized or misused plots from significant encroachers to facilitate industrial development.
To support Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's vision of a developed Odisha, a separate department will be established to address issues related to industrial establishments. The government also aims to balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability. Five sub-committees, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), have been tasked with drafting the new R&R policy.
A notable feature of the forthcoming policy is the introduction of a "land-for-land" compensation model, offering displaced farmers land parcels instead of monetary compensation. Minister Pujari emphasized that many farmers struggle to effectively utilize cash compensation, as their expertise lies in agriculture. This approach ensures they can continue their traditional occupation. The policy will categorize land acquisition into two distinct segments: private industrial projects will undergo stringent scrutiny to prevent excessive land accumulation, while government projects will benefit from a more flexible approach due to inter-departmental land transfers.
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