‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Settler community in Great Nicobar protests low compensation for land acquired for a mega-infrastructure project.
• Dependents and Ex-Servicemen Forum (DEF-GNI) objects to compensation rates ranging from ₹113 to ₹180 per square metre.
• MP Bishnu Pada Ray raised concerns about procedural violations and inadequate compensation for ex-servicemen.
• Approximately 84 sq. km of tribal reserve land is being denotified for the project.

Detailed Insights:

• The settler community, descendants of ex-servicemen settled between 1969-1975, seeks fair compensation under the RFCTLARR Act, 2013.
• Compensation demands include a minimum of ₹1 crore per acre for agricultural land, contrasting with rates offered in the Andaman Islands.
• Concerns exist regarding the alienation of land and resources from tribal communities like the Shompen and Great Nicobarese.
• The Forest Rights Act provisions are allegedly being violated, with settlers involved in freeing up tribal reserve land.
• The situation highlights conflicts between local communities over land and the prioritization of geopolitical and development agendas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• RFCTLARR Act, 2013: Legislation governing land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement with fair compensation.
• Tribal Reserve: Legally protected area designated for the use and preservation of indigenous tribal communities.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG): Tribal groups facing specific vulnerabilities requiring targeted conservation efforts.