News

Committee to probe illegal sale of tribal land by Rourkela Steel Plant following NCST findings

The Government told the parliament that a high-level committee has been formed to inquire into the sale of land to private bodies by the Rourkela Steel Plant in Odisha.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1370, Jaswantsinh Bhabhor, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs today said “In the sitting held on 16.05.2017, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) advised Ministry of Steel to constitute a Committee to enquire into the land sold/leased to any private organisation by the Rourkela Steel Plant. The Ministry of Steel has constituted a Committee in accordance with the recommendation.”

Earlier in February last year, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) had visited the Rourkela Steel Plant in connection with displacement and rehabilitation of tribals due to setting up of Rourkela Steel Plant at Rourkela. The NCST also held followed up meetings with the officers of the Government of Odisha and Rourkela Steel Plant on 17th October last year to further discuss the matter.

The NCST had expressed displeasure over the slow progress of rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals displaced due to Rourkela Steel Plant, handing over of land to private organisation by the Steel Plant and non-issuance of pattas for agricultural and residential land to the displaced tribals.

The Rourkela Steel Plant has failed to provide employment to remaining oustees of 1,098 persons identified 24 years ago in 1993. The steel plant authorities also failed to provide basic facilities such as electricity and water in the colony set up for displaced tribals.