MP Govt Promises Inquiry into Ken-Betwa Rehabilitation Complaints Amid Uproar

The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday assured the state Assembly of a thorough inquiry into complaints surrounding the rehabilitation of families displaced by the Rs 44,605-crore Ken-Betwa Link Project. The assurance came after Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar alleged large-scale irregularities in compensation, rehabilitation surveys, and Gram Sabha proceedings during a heated exchange.

Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma initially stated that almost all affected families had been compensated and denied any scam. However, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav intervened to promise that any complaint brought before the government would be investigated within a month. 'If you are aware of any discrepancy or complaint, we will certainly investigate it and do justice to them. No one should suffer under our government,' Yadav said.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India's first inter-basin river-linking project. It aims to transfer water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh, irrigating over nine lakh hectares, supplying drinking water across Bundelkhand, and generating hydropower. However, it requires land acquisition and has displaced thousands of families in Panna and Chhatarpur districts.

According to the government's written reply, 1,321 families in Panna and 3,718 families in Chhatarpur have been displaced or affected. The government claimed all had received compensation and rehabilitation benefits. It also acknowledged complaints about omissions from rehabilitation lists and compensation disputes. In Chhatarpur, a resurvey found 638 additional eligible families, bringing the total beneficiaries to 3,718. In Panna, a fresh survey concluded no eligible person was left out and no irregularities were found.

Singhar questioned these claims, demanding that survey reports and Gram Sabha proceedings be tabled in the Assembly. 'The government says everyone has received compensation, yet you yourself are saying some families are still pending. Will you table the survey report? Will you table the Gram Sabha proceedings?' he asked. Verma agreed to place the records before the House.

Verma detailed that in Panna, compensation of about Rs 165.12 crore had been approved for displaced families, with Rs 164.87 crore already disbursed. The rehabilitation package includes a Rs 12.5 lakh special grant per family in addition to compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Singhar alleged serious irregularities remained, including distribution of Rs 8 crore in compensation to ineligible persons in Khariyani village. The government's promise of an inquiry aims to address these allegations and ensure fair rehabilitation for all affected families.