For the first time,project-affected persons (PAPs) above 45 years of age would benefit from an economic package being considered by the government. With the government planning a package for PAPs with no jobs,Pune district is gearing up to send notices to all project-affected persons to avail the scheme. A high level meeting is to be held in Mumbai on June 28 to finalise the package amount.
Two years ago,Pune districts rehabilitation office had 5,508 persons registered with them. The number could be much more and we do not have the number of people who are above 45 years so that they can get the benefits. All DROs from the districts have been asked to compile data and forward it to the government,said District Relation Officer,Pune,Prashant Shelke.
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 states 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.