UP Government Sanctions Resettlement of 99 Hindu Families Displaced from East Pakistan
The Uttar Pradesh State Cabinet, led by the BJP government, has approved a significant proposal for the resettlement of 99 Hindu Bengali families who were displaced from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. These families have been residing in Meerut district for an extended period, and the decision comes ahead of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, highlighting the state's focus on rehabilitation efforts.
Details of the Resettlement Plan
According to officials, the families have been illegally occupying land designated for a lake in Nangla Gosai village, located in Mawana tehsil of Meerut district. To address this, the government has devised a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy. All 99 families will be relocated to Rasulabad tehsil in Kanpur Dehat district, ensuring a dignified and secure resettlement process.
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, briefing mediapersons after the Cabinet meeting, outlined the specifics. The resettlement will occur in two villages: 50 families will be settled in Bhaisaya village on 11.1375 hectares (27.51 acres) of land, while the remaining 49 families will be accommodated in Tajpur Tarsauli village on 10.530 hectares (26.01 acres) of land. Each family will be allotted 0.50 acres of land under a lease agreement.
Lease Terms and Housing Provisions
The land will be provided on a 30-year lease, which can be renewed twice for additional 30-year periods, resulting in a maximum lease duration of 90 years. Khanna emphasized that the lease will be executed upon payment of the prescribed premium or lease rent. This initiative is part of the broader Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, under which housing will be constructed for the affected families, alongside the land leases.
Officials have assured that the resettlement will be carried out with strict adherence to environmental protection guidelines, as mandated by the National Green Tribunal. The move aims to balance ecological concerns with the humanitarian need for rehabilitation.
Broader Context and Previous Initiatives
Khanna also highlighted that the Cabinet's approval extends to rehabilitating families affected by natural disasters across the state. For instance, following a tragic incident in Bahraich district where nine people died while crossing a river, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to arrange land for affected families in revenue village Paratapur. An aerial survey was conducted, and rehabilitation efforts were successfully implemented.
This resettlement plan underscores the Uttar Pradesh government's commitment to addressing displacement issues and providing sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. By integrating housing and land lease provisions, the initiative seeks to offer long-term stability and support to those in need.
