Fresh package for project-affected

With a daunting task ahead,Shelke is mobilising his staff to reach out to all the project affected in the district to fill up forms under this category. “It will be a major task as we would need all details of all the PAPs. Their age group,educational qualifications and other criteria on whether they belong to the lower income group has to be written,” added Shelke. A senior officer from the rehabilitation department said though the exact amount is yet to be decided,this would come as a welcome relief for those who have crossed 45 years of age.

Last year,the Aurangabad High Court had said that project affected should compete in the open and even as there was 5 per cent reservation for PAPs for government jobs,they should apply whenever there is any vacancy and not wait for a list readied by the district rehabilitation officer.

“This also meant that with no vacancies many lost their chance of employment after 45 years as was the criteria and this would pose a problem for them. This package will help them start up some business venture,” said the officer.

A project affected person,Sachin Gadhe,who is not aware of this ruling said he would get in touch with the rehab department. “There should be enough publicity made by the state’s rehab department regarding this package so that maximum persons are benefitted by this economy package,” he said.

Another PAP Medha Shinde who has recently crossed 45,said this package will help her to start her pickle business. Being part of a self-help group and also running a small time pickle business,she said the package would help her in her business.