Nandigram’s compensation distribution flawed: NHRC

By IANS,

New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday issued recommendations for the just distribution of compensation to the victims of violence in Nandigram in West Bengal after it noticed widespread discrepancies.


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“The state government (has) to publish (a) complete list of people whose houses were damaged in the incidents from March 14 to Nov, 2007, related to special economic zone (SEZ) issue in Nandigram area, giving details like address, nature of construction, extent of damage, ex-gratia amount paid or proposed to be paid,” the commission said.

The government should publish a list of the applications received so far for compensation. “Copies may also be given to representatives of Bhoomi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC),” the panel said.

The recommendation came after the BUPC representatives, who met the commission, said they were not aware of such lists.

Nandigram, about 150 km from Kolkata in East Midnapore district, flared up in January last year over a proposed SEZ with activists of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and Trinamul Congress-backed anti-land acquisition BUPC fighting pitched battles.

Though the SEZ proposal was later scrapped, a turf battle continued between the two parties, taking a toll of 34 lives.

The NHRC recommended a compensation of Rs.20,000 for fully damaged concrete house and Rs.10,000 for the partially damaged ones. Besides, it recommended Rs.12,000 for fully damaged mud houses.

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