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Blind to the cause

the relief and rehabilitation (r&r) division of the M aharashtra government's revenue and forest department is set to frame a State Rehabilitation Authority. This would have to ensure there is a proper rehabilitation plan for families likely to be affected by developmental projects (paf), before such projects are sanctioned. However, the proposal to create this authority is receiving much flak because controversial projects such as irrigation and slum development have been omitted from its ambit.

"The notification for the rehabilitation authority will be issued by the end of February,' says L R Khuprao, joint secretary, r&r division, Mumbai. "It will have jurisdiction over development projects such as power, as well as on projects in forest areas. The authority will also decide on the nature of infrastructural facilities to be made available to the displaced people, before the project actually takes off.'

The authority is being set up in line with the Centre's National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected Families, 2003

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