Rs 1,006-crore package for people affected in enclaves exchange

NEW DELHI: A Rs 1,006-crore rehabilitation package for the people affected after the exchange of enclaves between India and Bangladesh was approved by the central government today.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved rehabilitation package and upgradation of infrastructure of former Bangladeshi enclaves in Cooch Behar district after transfer of enclaves between India and Bangladesh, an official release said.

The total financial implication for implementation of various components is around Rs 1005.99 crore. This includes Rs 898.50 crore as the fixed cost of strengthening and creation of infrastructure in Cooch Behar district and former Bangladesh enclaves in India.

Besides, a variable cost of Rs 107.49 crore is likely to be incurred for the rehabilitation. The actual variable cost would depend on the actual number of families opting for India.

All the works will be implemented by West Bengal government or its agencies in a time-frame of 3-5 years and funds would be released by the Union Home Ministry to the state government as grant-in-aid, the release said.

The rehabilitation package and upgradation of infrastructure of erstwhile Bangladeshi enclaves in Cooch Behar district after transfer of enclaves between India and Bangladesh follows the two proposals received from West Bengal government.

The rehabilitation measures such as infrastructure development and rehabilitation assistance will help seamless integration of areas and people, it said.