Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein​recently had called ​ for shrugging-off ‘compensation culture’ for development to take place is a most genuine observation. The blight of inflated compensation demands has obviously not gone unnoticed to the central government if one has to analyze Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari’s recent comment. The minister who was in the state capital to inaugurate two highway projects, promised more roads worth rupees 50,000 crore on condition that Arunachalees must provide the land free. 

Among the major hindrances in the path of development of the state, the tall compensation claims has emerged as one of the biggest deterrent. Shortsightedness of the land donors has been responsible for derailing and inordinate delays of several important projects. Of late it has become a fashion statement to crave for extrapolated claims including inflated or forged claims.  Certain section of society has been attempting to squeeze maximum financial benefits, without batting an eye-lid or even thinking without long term collateral benefits accruing out of new infrastructural projects.           

There are two contrasting case studies. If establishment of Rama Krishna Mission Schools are positive case studies with long term impact then on the other hand, we have strategic projects such as Trans Arunachal Highway, Greenfield Airport in state capital which are in limbo due to myopic views of vested groups. 

Land donations for development must not be gauged from financial point of view but rather individuals must volunteer at humble rates. Many educational institutions across the state like the RKM School Aalo, Deomali and RK Sharada Mission and others have been instrumental in ushering the state into an era of knowledge and literacy. These institutes became the cradle for generations of bureaucrats and technocrats for decades together. 

Land holdings are dear to local Arunachalees and while compensation claim is their right, there is a need to be conscientious while demanding unrealistic sums. Point being driven home is, locals must overlook personal gains for the overall benefit of society.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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