Soren advocates uniform RR policy

Sambalpur, May 14 (UNI) Coal Minister Sibu Soren today stressed on the need for a uniform rehabilitation and resettlement(R&R) policy for the country in the greater benefit of land oustees and affected tribals.

Mr Soren, who made a short visit to Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd(MCL) headquarters at Burla near here, said the Centre would soon have a look at the new RR policy formulated by the Orissa government. The Union Minister, however, maintained that such a policy should not vary from state to state.

He assured that the problem of MCL land oustees from Talcher in Angul district to Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda would be taken up with the prime minister to formulate a suitable package for the benefit of the oustees.

Mr Soren instructed MCL officials to be careful on periphery development and proper utilization of funds for welfare activities.

He also promised to increase the periphery development funds to solve local problems to a larger extent.

UNI XC-DP PL DB1722