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Farmers Protest against Low Compensation for NTPC Plant in MP, Demand Jobs

Reported by

Satyendra Singh Narwaria

Legal Review by

Edited by

Updated by

Published on

March 16, 2018

May 17, 2022

Edited on

March 16, 2018

State

Madhya Pradesh

Sector

Power

People Affected by Conflict

500

Households Affected by Conflict

Land Area Affected (in Hectares)

728

ha

Starting Year

2014

Location of Conflict

Chor Barhata

Dongargaon, Gangai, Kudari, Mehrakheda and Umaria

Narsinghpur

Reason or Cause of Conflict

Thermal Power Plant

Land Conflict Summary

In January 2018, farmers from six villages Chor Barhata, Dongargaon, Gangai, Kudari, Mehrakheda and Umaria in Narsinghpur district began protesting against the "inadequate" compensation for their land acquired for a thermal power plant. They are demanding jobs for each family whose land was taken by coming together under the banner of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh. In 201314, approximately 1,800 acres of land were acquired from about 500 small and marginal farmers for the construction of National Thermal Power Corporation's 3,200megawatt Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Station project. According to a news report, the leader of the Opposition, Ajay Singh, claimed that the farmers were promised INR 18 lakh per acre, along with an annual bonus of INR 30,000 per acre for the next 30 years and that NTPC had agreed to provide employment to at least one family member of the affected farmers, but that none of the promises had been fulfilled. Contrary to the government's claim of successfully finishing the land acquisition, farmers have been claiming that they have been paid INR 3,000,00 less than the agreed amount, according to another report. On January 12, 2018, the farmers submitted a memorandum of demands to the district administration with an ultimatum of 15 days. Following protests, the police arrested 39 farmers and resorted to lathicharge, which only intensified the protests. Meanwhile, NTPC released a statement asserting that the compensation for land acquisition has been fulfilled in accordance with the state guidelines and that a onetime payment has been done in lieu of jobs promised and that it won't address any further demands. Between January 31 and February 4, 2018, the farmers protested again in front of the collectorate with the support of several political leaders. Additionally, they also demanded compensation for crop damages and low market prices of their produce The protests continued at the NTPC site even after the political leaders concluded the protests. In a telephonic conversation, Devnarayan Patil, the leader of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh, informed LCW that the demands of the affected farmers are being taken forward as part of the larger movement for farmers' rights and demands. On August 17, 2020, LCW spoke to Ramdayal Rathore, a resident of Narsinghpur who is actively involved in the struggle against the thermal plant. He said that protests are still ongoing. "However, there has been no decision from the government regarding revising the compensation rates," he added.

Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand for more compensation than promised

Complaint against procedural violations

Demand for employment

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Private

Type of Common Land

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

2000

Type of investment:

Cost of Project

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Legal Data

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Land Acquisition Laws, Constitutional Law, Case Laws

Legislations/Policies Involved

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
Section 37(2) [This section requires the collector to give immediate notice of award passed to interested persons]; Section 4 [This section requires preparation of a Social Impact Assessment report]; Section 7 [This section provides for assessment of the SIA report by an expert team]; Section 12 [This section empowers an authorised officer to carry out preliminary survey of the land]
Constitution of India, 1950
Article 226 [This Article provides high courts the power to issue writs for protection of fundamental rights]; Article 21 [Right to life violated]
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

No items found.

Legal Status:

In Court

Status of Case In Court

Disposed

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

High Court of Madhya Pradesh

Case Number

W.P. No 15681 of 2016

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

Arrest/detention/imprisonment

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

No

Reported Details of the Violation:

In protests held in January 2018, 39 farmers were arrested. The police resorted to lathi-charge to control the crowd, which only intensified the protests.

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Additional Information

Nature of Protest

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Protests/marches

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Government of Madhya Pradesh

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

National Thermal Power Corporation

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC)

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh

Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Resources

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Images

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Video

In January 2018, farmers from six villages Chor Barhata, Dongargaon, Gangai, Kudari, Mehrakheda and Umaria in Narsinghpur district began protesting against the "inadequate" compensation for their land acquired for a thermal power plant. They are demanding jobs for each family whose land was taken by coming together under the banner of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh. In 201314, approximately 1,800 acres of land were acquired from about 500 small and marginal farmers for the construction of National Thermal Power Corporation's 3,200megawatt Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Station project. According to a news report, the leader of the Opposition, Ajay Singh, claimed that the farmers were promised INR 18 lakh per acre, along with an annual bonus of INR 30,000 per acre for the next 30 years and that NTPC had agreed to provide employment to at least one family member of the affected farmers, but that none of the promises had been fulfilled. Contrary to the government's claim of successfully finishing the land acquisition, farmers have been claiming that they have been paid INR 3,000,00 less than the agreed amount, according to another report. On January 12, 2018, the farmers submitted a memorandum of demands to the district administration with an ultimatum of 15 days. Following protests, the police arrested 39 farmers and resorted to lathicharge, which only intensified the protests. Meanwhile, NTPC released a statement asserting that the compensation for land acquisition has been fulfilled in accordance with the state guidelines and that a onetime payment has been done in lieu of jobs promised and that it won't address any further demands. Between January 31 and February 4, 2018, the farmers protested again in front of the collectorate with the support of several political leaders. Additionally, they also demanded compensation for crop damages and low market prices of their produce The protests continued at the NTPC site even after the political leaders concluded the protests. In a telephonic conversation, Devnarayan Patil, the leader of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh, informed LCW that the demands of the affected farmers are being taken forward as part of the larger movement for farmers' rights and demands. On August 17, 2020, LCW spoke to Ramdayal Rathore, a resident of Narsinghpur who is actively involved in the struggle against the thermal plant. He said that protests are still ongoing. "However, there has been no decision from the government regarding revising the compensation rates," he added.

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand for more compensation than promised

Complaint against procedural violations

Demand for employment

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Private

Type of Common Land

Total investment involved (in Crores):

2000

Type of investment:

Cost of Project

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Land Acquisition Laws, Constitutional Law, Case Laws

Legislations/Policies Involved

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
Section 37(2) [This section requires the collector to give immediate notice of award passed to interested persons]; Section 4 [This section requires preparation of a Social Impact Assessment report]; Section 7 [This section provides for assessment of the SIA report by an expert team]; Section 12 [This section empowers an authorised officer to carry out preliminary survey of the land]
Constitution of India, 1950
Article 226 [This Article provides high courts the power to issue writs for protection of fundamental rights]; Article 21 [Right to life violated]
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

No items found.

Legal Status:

In Court

Status of Case In Court

Disposed

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

High Court of Madhya Pradesh

Case Number

W.P. No 15681 of 2016

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

Arrest/detention/imprisonment

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

No

Reported Details of the Violation:

In protests held in January 2018, 39 farmers were arrested. The police resorted to lathi-charge to control the crowd, which only intensified the protests.

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Nature of Protest

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Protests/marches

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Government of Madhya Pradesh

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

National Thermal Power Corporation

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC)

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Documented By

Text Link

Reviewed By

Text Link

Updated By

Text Link

Edited By

Text LinkLand Conflict Watch

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