Odisha Govt Announces Rehabilitation & Assistance Package For Ekamra Khetra Yojana

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday announced rehabilitation and assistance package for those displaced under Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (Ekamra) Plan.

The land acquired under the plan to revive and preserve the heritage value and grandeur of Lingaraj Temple and its surroundings on 66 acres of land will be kept in the records of Shree Lingaraj. The names of the persons who donate land for the purpose will be enshrined in a plaque in the project area, a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said.

The project is targeted to be completed in six months.

Residential plots

Compensation will be provided to patta holders of residential plots as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013. They can also be provided a residential plot in lieu of it. In case the rehabilitated land costs less than the acquired land, the landowner will be compensated accordingly.

Each displaced family will get Rs 1 lakh towards transportation and immediate arrangement cost. Monthly house rent assistance of Rs 15,000 for 12 months from the date of land acquisition will be provided to the displaced landowner.

Commercial establishment

Owners of shops will get one-time Rs 1 lakh assistance towards transportation and other arrangement costs. Owners of shops with 200m or less than built up area will get monthly Rs 15,000 rent assistance whereas shop owners with 200 metre and more built up area shops will get Rs 20,000 rent assistance.

Shops will be provided to displaced shop owners at half the price. They can also opt for one-time Rs 20 lakh assistance.

Makeshift shop owners

Listed street vendors will be provided one-time assistance of Rs 30,000 in two installments. They will also be allocated space under the Street Vending Plan.

Government offices and institutions

A committee headed by Bhubaneswar Municiapl Commissioner will finalise assistance for government offices and establishments, which may have to be relocated for implementation of the plan.

Mutts

The BMC Commissioner in consultation with Khurda Collector and beneficiaries will decide on land allotment and preservation of the mutts.

If someone donates land required for the project within 30 days of the notification of this policy, the person will be entitled to additional 10 per cent incentive on cash benefits being provided under this policy, the CMO release added.

As announced in December last year, the Ekamra Khetra Yojana includes nine projects under which the historic water tanks in the Old Town area of the city will be renovated and modern parking space will be created at four places along with an e-auto programme. Besides Lingaraj Temple,  Kedar Gouri and Muketswara temple premises will also be developed. The plan also includes establishment of a heritage interpretation centre.