Urgent Action Required on WCL Employment and Compensation Issues - Nagpur Latest News

Nitin Gadkari's Directives to WCL

In a significant development, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has urged Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) to take immediate measures in resolving pending employment cases and compensation issues affecting project-affected persons (PAPs). These directives came during a meeting held on Monday at the WCL headquarters, attended by Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy.

Impact of Delays on Families

Gadkari revealed that the prolonged delays have severely impacted underprivileged families, many of whom are grappling with survival challenges. As reported, there are 43 employment cases currently stalled in the High Court, alongside over 900 pending land acquisition cases.

• Gadkari stressed the importance of fair and transparent compensation practices.
• He instructed WCL to collaborate with district authorities to expedite pending cases.
• The goal is to maintain meticulous taluka-level documentation.

Future Directions

To ensure a balanced approach, Gadkari emphasized the need for revisiting land acquisition cases in collaboration with revenue departments. He also proposed the potential designation of a single agency to streamline resettlement efforts. In addition, WCL is encouraged to increase the employment of qualified PAPs by private mine operators.

Coal Minister Reddy added that employment terms should be included in contractors' agreements and hinted at possible adjustments in compensation rates for land acquisition. With the issue of congestion near mines due to truck traffic, Gadkari recommended the adoption of digital solutions to manage logistics effectively.

In closing, Gadkari praised WCL for its efforts in combating black-market coal trading and enhancing production while advocating for changes in policies to reopen dormant mines for generating employment opportunities.