An industrial plant

Ranchi, Nov. 20: The Madhu Koda government has decided to cash in on the rich experience of non-government organisations (NGOs) working among the displaced families in the state to finalise the rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) policy.

“Since they have a lot of experience about displacement and rehabilitation, we have decided to seek their ideas,” said deputy CM Sudhir Mahto, also the in-charge of the industries department. The department has planned to interact with the representatives of such social and non-government bodies after the conclusion of the ongoing Jharkhand Udyog Mela on November 22.

However, official sources said the move is aimed at wooing the organisations that are opposed to the idea of displacement. “The interactions will give the government a chance to know the minds of NGOs. If possible, it will make necessary changes in the draft policy to keep the NGOs in good humour,” said a top official. Mahto admitted they would not be averse to changes. An

Senior officials of industries and mining and some deputy commissioners had slogged for over three months to prepare the policy. The officials had examined the existing national R&R policy, and invited suggestions from social organisations before giving it a final shape.

Recently, bureaucrats had met Koda and advised him not to delay its announcement, lest it send a wrong signal to investors. Koda had assured them it would be announced by mid-December.

“We are bemused at the decision to invite suggestions from NGOs. We had already invited them. Is there any logic in inviting them again?” asked an IAS officer.

Officials also fear it could snowball into a controversy. “What if the government ignores the ideas of the NGOs or if some are left out from the invitation list,” said officials.