On December 22, 2017, farmers from 6 villages in Narsinghpur district began protesting against the "inadequate" compensation for their land taken 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 1800 acres of land was acquired from about 500 farmers for National Thermal Power Corporation Limiteds (NTPC) 3200 MW Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Station project, as per a news report States leader of the opposition, Ajay Singh, claimed that farmers were promised Rs. 18 lakh per acre for irrigated land, jobs for each member of the project affected families and an annual bonus of Rs. 30,000 per acre for the next 30 years, as quoted in a news report, However, contrary to the governments claim of successfully finishing the acquisition project, farmers have been claiming that they have been paid three lakhs less than the agreed amount, according to another report On January 12, 2018, the farmers submitted a memorandum of demands to district administration with an ultimatum of 15 days. Following the protests, 39 farmers were arrested and police lathicharged at crowd which only intensified the protests, as per news reports Meanwhile, NTPC released a statement asserting that the compensation for land acquisition has been fulfilled in accordance the state guidelines and that onetime payment has been done in lieu of jobs promised. They do not intent on addressing any further demands.
Between 31st January and 4th February, farmers protested 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 NTPC site even after the political leaders concluded the protests. In a telephonic conversation. Devnarayan Patil, a leader of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh, informed Land Conflict Watch that the demands of affected farmers are being taken forward as part of the larger movement for farmers rights and demands.
Region Classification
Type of Land
Private
Private and Common
Type of Common Land
Total investment involved (in Crores):
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Type of investment:
Land Area Affected
(in Hectares):