Question : COMPENSATION TO FARMERS

(a) the areas along the Indo-Pak Border where mines were laid;

(b) whether the farmers concerned were given any monetary benefit;

(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(d) the time by when the Union Government released the funds of this purpose and distribute the same among the farmers;

(e) whether any compensation is yet to be paid to the farmers; and

(f) if so, the time by which it will be paid to them?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) to (f): A statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1151 FOR 15.7.2004

After the mobilization of the Armed Forces in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, in connection with preparatory stage of defence preparedness under Operation Parakaram, it was decided to pay ex-gratia compensation to the people/farmers for the damages occurred to their crops only. Crop compensation was admissible for the damages occurred to the crops of farmers for Rabi Crop 2001-2002. For occupation of lands beyond Rabi Crop 2001-2002, rental compensation was admissible.

2. An area of 1,62,864 acre of land including the area required for laying of mines, was occupied by Army in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.

3. In pursuance of the above decision of the Government, the following sums were sanctioned to the State governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan:

Name of the State	Period	Amount sanctioned in (Rs.)

Jammu and Kashmir	Crop/rental compensation from	37,10,72,427/-	December 2001 to 31.10.2002
Punjab	Crop/compensation from December	74,57,73,272/-	2001 to 30.6.2002 and rental	compensation for some areas for	Kharif Crop 2002.

Rajasthan	Crop compensation from December 2001	57,91,97,566/-	to 30.6.2002 and rental compensation	for Kharif Crop 2002 and subsequent	crops for certain areas

4. Subsequently, on the requests from the State Governments of Rajasthan and Punjab, the issue was again considered by the government and it was decided to pay crop compensation or occupation of lands in connection with Operation Parakaram at the rate of 50% of the gross estimated produce of the crops for the lands which were cultivable and crops could have been sown but could not be sown due to occupation by Armed Forces, for Kharif Crop 2002 and subsequent crops. For occupation of lands, which were not cultivable, only rental compensation is admissible.

5. In pursuance of the above orders, Ministry of Defence has sanctioned the following amounts of compensation:

Name of the State Period	Amount sanctioned in (Rs.)

Jammu and Kashmir Crop/rental compensation from	33,56,82,347/-	1.5.2002 to 30.4.2004 after adjusting	the rental compensation sanctioned	for the period 1.5.2002	to 31.10.2002.
Punjab	Crop/rental compensation from 1.5.2002	35,89,05,189/-	to 30.4.2004 after adjusting	the rental compensation sanctioned	for Kharif Crop 2002 for certain areas.
Rajasthan Crop/rental compensation from 1.7.2002	31,09,51,893/-	to 30.6.2003 after adjustment of	certain amounts.

6. Central Government release the compensation amount to Deputy Commissioners concerned for disbursement to the farmers.

7. Payment of compensation for occupation of land is a continuous process as certain mined lands in the Western and Northern Sectors are still under occupation of Army. As and when the requisition for compensation is received after the Board proceedings is finalized by the Army, the Government releases the amount for compensation.

Question : COMPENSATION TO FARMERS

Answer given by the minister

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