LAGATAR24 NETWORK
Barkagaon (Hazaribagh): Under the Gondalpara mining project, a discussion was organized with the villagers of the affected village late Friday evening. People from other villages, including Gondalpura, Gali, Balodar, Haahe and Fulaang participated in this programme organized at the office of Adani Enterprises Limited, Barkagaon. At the same time, a large participation of women and young people was also seen. In this program, which lasted for more than four hours, the villagers got the answers and removed their various apprehensions through asking questions from the company management.
During the discussion, the villagers asked the company management how much compensation would be given to them for the land. Since the land will have to be given for the project, what alternative means of employment will be provided? Some villagers said that land receipts are not being deducted for gair majarua land, which would be the other beneficial option in this situation. The villagers also said that the locals should get priority in compensation and jobs. In addition, the villagers also asked about the compensation and pension, as well as their reservation for employment by the company.
Youth demanded training, urged to promote sports
During the discussion, the youth present on the spot asked what plans the company management had for them. They are young, many are educated, how will they be trained so that they can become self-employed and have a special identity in the mainstream of society. Some youths demanded promotion of sports at the local level. The youth said that mining is certain in the area, so they should be given mining training from now itself so that they can get employment as soon as mining starts. Women said that they will not work in mining, so they should be given opportunities for self-employment.
As prescribed by law, villagers will get all the facilities: Management
Answering all the questions one by one from the villagers, the officials of the company management said that this coal mine had been allotted by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. That’s why all the work will be done according to the rules of the Central and State governments. All the facilities will be provided for the villagers as per the prescribed rules. The youth will get training according to their skills so that they become suitable for the job. With the opening of this project, hundreds of people will get employment, as well as many direct and indirect employment opportunities will also be created. The villagers were also told that no old building will be demolished until a new one is constructed, be it a school in the project area or something else. That’s why there is no need for concern among the villagers or Para teachers.
Efforts will be made to rehabilitate villagers within a ten-kilometer radius
The company management also said that efforts will be made to rehabilitate the villagers within ten kilometers so that there is no difference in the environment. Along with this, it will also be taken care that the villagers get additional benefits, the disabled and widow get pension, the villagers get separate compensation for trees, wells, ponds etc. Also, the rate of compensation should be according to today’s inflation. The company will ensure that no injustice is done to anyone, and everything is transparent. The officials made it clear that the intention of the management is clear, and there is an intention to develop the area. So, villagers should trust them so that the management can do better for them.
Apart from this, the youths were asked to tell them all the training they were looking for. They should form a group so that arrangements can be made to give them training in Hazaribagh or Barkagaon as per their wish. Discussion also included setting up a sewing training center for women and a marketing program for the clothes made there. Apart from this, animal husbandry, the papad industry, local art and formation of self-help groups were also discussed.