Madhya Pradesh government seems to be jittery
over the findings of the SS Jha Commission, looking into embezzlement of funds
meant for the rehabilitation of the Narmada dam oustees, looking into the
stance it took in the High Court on releasing the report.
Seven years after
it began its investigation, the Justice Shravan Shankar Jha Commission, set up
by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, was asked to submit its detailed report on
"massive corruption" which has in rehabilitating Narmada dam oustees
in the state. The Commission was tasked to investigate the issue of fake land
registries and four other types of corruptions that occurred in the
rehabilitation of dam-affected families.
According to National
Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), would reveal number of fake land
registries offered in the name of special rehabilitation package to the
oustees. Under the package, the oustees were given the option of choosing
between land and cash, but in most cases they were forced to take cash, as the
land they were shown was of poor quality.
In its
application to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the states government demanded
that the Jha Commission report should not be released but first handed over to
it for being laid before the legislative assembly of the Madhya Pradesh,
claiming its “mandatory” right under Section 3 of Commission of Inquiry Act,
1952 (CIA).
State will file
action Taken Report on Jha Commission, while in the meantime High Court order
will stay.
Doubting Madhya
Pradesh government intentions, NAPM said, “The question remains, after this
report, would the state government, Narmada Valley Development Authority and
Narmada Control Authority fulfill their responsibilities towards rehabilitation
of oustees.
