C. Could land revenue rates be raised to meet some of this cost as the surrounding community would have benefited?

5.Marginal agricultural workers lose their wages from acquired farms.

A. Could a scheme be provided to agricultural workers involving employment in the factory, to ensure better earnings than working on the farm?

6.The project with its ancillaries would promote large employment opportunities for the community. The activists could try and ensure that affected farmers get priority in employment. It is reported that the Tatas have trained villagers in Jamshedpur for employment at Singur. A great step. However it would be interesting to see if displaced farmers families have benefited or cadres of the Government or TC. Could activists ensure that at least one member of the displaced farmer gets employment? This would provide long term insurance for that family.

7.It is assumed that companies make reasonable profits from their efforts. Could it be arranged that for a 10 year period, 5 per cent of profits go towards addressing the inflation aspect,s especially for marginal agricultural workers? Could government provide adequate compensation for this through reduced taxes?

This kind of structure would apply to most cases of compulsory government acquisition such as SEZs, dams, industrial or housing estates. The affected families should get preference for possible job opportunities for construction and other work, and in the project when it comes up.

The difference with dams is that families get displaced. The relocation needs to be done sensitively by using the skills of the people. State fisheries departments promote fisheries, so, why not use these people as sounding boards for their schemes with their substantial practical experience in fishing? They could also be used as trainers for schemes. Or since they would be good at making nets for fishing, could the handlooms departments engage them in making hammocks or such products?

... contd.