Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Terms of reference for Sardar Sarovar Project R&R Oversight Group specified

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has constituted the Sardar Sarovar Project Relief and Rehabilitation Oversight Group to report on the status of rehabilitation in Madhya Pradesh of the Project Affected Families (PAFs). The Terms of Reference of the Oversight Group are:

a. Based on the Reports of the State Government, ascertain the number of project affected families affected due to submergence caused by the raising of the height of the dam.

b. Estimate, on the basis of sample checks, the number of PAF's who may not have received so far, in full measure, the R&R package as per the norms laid down by the Award and the orders of the Supreme Court.

c. Ascertain on the basis of sample checks, if offers of alternate land to eligible oustees were made in a fair and transparent manner.

d. Ascertain on the basis of sample checks, if such offers were voluntarily refused by such oustees who preferred to accept the Special Rehabilitation Package of the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

e. Ascertain when all measures of rehabilitation, resettlement and civic amenities as mandated by the Award (Para 152 of Supreme Court Judgment) will be in existence.

f. Recommend a system to ensure that all families affected by an increase in the height of the dam to 121.92 metres receive within the next three months, the benefit of the Relief and Rehabilitation package as per the norms laid down by the Award, the orders of the Supreme Court and the orders of the Grievance redressal Authority of Madhya Pradesh.

The composition of the Group is:

Shri V.K. Shungulu - Chairperson (Retd. CAG, GOI)

Prof. G.K. Chadha - Member (Former VC, JNU)

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan - Member (Convener, Loksatta)