The Hindu : New Delhi News : Rehab scheme for the displaced on the anvil

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Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008
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Rehab scheme for the displaced on the anvil

Staff Reporter

A high-power committee to be set up for the same

NEW DELHI: The Union Government is evolving out-of-the-box rehabilitation packages for people displaced on account of new hydel projects in the country.

This was stated by Union Power Secretary Anil Razdan at the conclusion of a State Power Secretaries’ Conference organised by the PHD Chamber on Tuesday.

Mr. Razdan said the Government was seriously considering evolving a viable and friendly rehabilitation package for people who had been displaced because of the upcoming hydel projects.

“The 21st Century is the century of water and every effort will be done to conserve and utilise water for the betterment of humanity,” he said, adding, “Some of the suggestions considered by the Government are out-of-the-box such as building small cities near places where rehabilitation has taken place so that the displaced persons can find easy employment.”

He said the Government would soon set up a high-power committee to look into various options for rehabilitation. Mr. Razdan also pointed out that in any kind of development the State governments and local bodies should be involved so that the displaced persons become stakeholders in the development projects.

Union New and Renewable Energy Secretary Deepak Gupta said that there was a huge potential for tapping solar and wind energy in the country. The Government, he added, was considering giving 20 per cent capital subsidy to IT companies manufacturing solar equipment.

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