CIC asks NTPC to pay Rs 11 lakh to Farakka project land oustee

NEW DELHI: Coming down heavily on NTPC for denying a job to an oustee of Farakka power project, the Central Information Commission has asked it to pay over Rs 11 lakh to him.

The transparency panel also directed the power major to explore ways to redress grievances of other farmers who were rendered landless due to the project.

"The NTPC is required to pay a compensation for all kind of losses and other detriment suffered by the oustee in the process of securing justice through different ways, including his claim for the right to work," Information Commissioner M M Ansari said.

The Commission directed the public sector power company to pay Rs 11.28 lakh in lieu of the money that could have been accrued to Murshidabad resident Mohd Samad Khan, whose land along with that of 42 others, was acquired in 1980s for the project in West Bengal.

"NTPC has failed not only in keeping its promise of providing work opportunity but has also belied the expectation of the land oustees to protect their social interest mainly right to work. The Company is expected to provide the benefits of its activities to the larger public without depriving poor farmers of their source of sustenance," it said.

Terming the denial of job to the farmer as lackadaisical, the Commission said, "A breach of confidence between citizens and elected government or its instrumentalities may lead to mass resentment. It may even incite violence, which may not only retard progress but also destabilise democratic setup."

The observations were made on an appeal of Khan, who, despite apex transparency panel's earlier order, was denied a copy of a survey conducted by the NTPC for providing jobs to 42 families of land oustees.