Displaced Villagers in Patratu Demand Rehabilitation and Jobs, Warn of Protest

Tension is growing among displaced and affected villagers of Balkudra, Jayanagar, Rasda and Gegda over rehabilitation, housing and employment issues, with residents accusing PVUNL management of failing to honour its commitments.

A meeting of displaced and affected villagers from the four villages was held on Sunday under the chairmanship of Vijay Munda and conducted by Hari Prasad Singh. Participants expressed strong resentment over the demolition of houses belonging to some long-term residents on August 17.

According to the villagers, the demolition was carried out in the presence of PVUNL management and Patratu circle administration, with police deployment, despite heavy rainfall. They said the incident had caused further uncertainty among families already affected by the project.

The villagers claimed that the circle administration had assured them during the demolition that it would hold talks with PVUNL management within a week and arrange land and permanent houses for landless families. They were also reportedly assured that affected families having land outside the acquired area would be provided housing at an identified location.

Residents said they would be forced to intensify their agitation if rehabilitation arrangements were not made within the promised timeframe. They warned that they could gherao the circle office as part of their protest.

Villagers question functioning of circle office

The meeting also saw residents raising concerns over the functioning of the Patratu circle office. They alleged that several routine public services have remained pending for a long time.

According to the villagers, delays have been reported in issuing land revenue receipts as well as caste, residential and income certificates, causing difficulties for local residents and students. They urged the administration to clear pending applications and ensure timely delivery of essential services.

Demand for jobs for displaced youth

Employment for members of displaced and affected families was another major issue discussed at the meeting.

The villagers demanded that PVUNL provide employment to eligible unemployed members of families affected by the project. They said a list of displaced youths from the four villages had already been submitted and urged the management to consider candidates according to their educational qualifications and provide employment without further delay.

The residents said rehabilitation should not be limited to providing houses but should also include sustainable livelihood opportunities for affected families. They maintained that employment and other rehabilitation measures are essential for ensuring that displaced households can rebuild their lives after losing land and homes due to the project.

Anand Kumar, Pancham Saw, Jagannath Ganjhu, Dinesh Munda, Khiradhar Kumar, Ravi Mahto, Rajkumar Munda, Ram Prasad Oraon, Kapil Oraon, Sarfaraz Ansari, Vikas Munda, Ajay Munda, Bahadur Oraon, Bhubaneswar Kumar, Bablu Kumar and Raju Ram were among those present at the meeting, along with a large number of villagers.
 

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