NCST seeks report on RIMS-2 land acquisition, orders status quo
PNS
Ranchi
National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) member Asha Lakra on Monday said the Commission has sought a detailed report on the land acquisition for the proposed RIMS-2 project and directed authorities not to undertake any construction on the disputed land until the inquiry is completed.
Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Ranchi, Lakra said the Commission heard around 15 cases related to members of the Scheduled Tribe community from different districts of Jharkhand.
She said the most significant case pertains to the acquisition of nearly 22 acres of land for the RIMS-2 project. The Commission has sought clarification from the concerned officials on whether landowners were paid compensation in accordance with legal provisions. It has also examined land-related documents and instructed authorities to maintain status quo until the investigation and hearings are concluded.
Lakra emphasized the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Jharkhand, saying that patients from different parts of the state are currently forced to travel to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, for advanced treatment. She said modern healthcare facilities should also be developed in other cities to reduce the burden on the state’s premier medical institution.
She also highlighted another key case from Baidkaro in Bokaro district, where allegations have been made against Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and the Forest Department for allegedly cutting trees and carrying out activities without obtaining the mandatory consent of the Gram Sabha. According to Lakra, the local Circle Officer had earlier objected to the process, and villagers had also protested against the alleged violations.
The Commission has directed that no work should be carried out at the site until the inquiry is completed.
Lakra added that several other cases relating to land disputes, property registration, and revenue matters were also taken up during the Commission’s hearing, and investigations into those complaints are underway.
