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Business
Odisha hikes R&R assistance; landowners demand higher compensation
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 27 Aug 2026, 06:17 AM
👁 3
The Odisha government has increased resettlement and rehabilitation payouts for those whose land is acquired, but many affected owners say the amount remains inadequate and are calling for fairer compensation.
The state administration announced a revision of the resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) assistance package for families whose land is being taken for development projects, raising the monetary support by a specified percentage. The move is part of the government's effort to address long‑standing grievances over inadequate compensation in past acquisitions.
Despite the increase, a sizeable group of landowners and farmers who have lost property argue that the revised amount still falls short of market values and the cost of rebuilding livelihoods. Community leaders have organized meetings and submitted petitions demanding a compensation formula that reflects current land prices and the true cost of displacement.
State officials have responded that the new R&R figures are aligned with central guidelines and that further adjustments will be considered based on feedback from the affected parties. The department has pledged to expedite pending claims and to hold additional consultations before the next phase of land acquisition proceeds.
Despite the increase, a sizeable group of landowners and farmers who have lost property argue that the revised amount still falls short of market values and the cost of rebuilding livelihoods. Community leaders have organized meetings and submitted petitions demanding a compensation formula that reflects current land prices and the true cost of displacement.
State officials have responded that the new R&R figures are aligned with central guidelines and that further adjustments will be considered based on feedback from the affected parties. The department has pledged to expedite pending claims and to hold additional consultations before the next phase of land acquisition proceeds.