BHATINDA, Jan 3: The rehabilitation package for those affected due to the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (Punjab refinery), Phulo Khari, in this district was discussed by representatives of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.(HPCL) with senior officials of the Punjab Government.Deputy Commissioner S. R. Ladhar here today said that both the sides agreed on giving some package for the benefit of the affected landless labourers and residents of the area, which would be identified by him (the deputy commissioner).The package for labourers and tenants would be finalised after consulting the affected people, he added. The deputy commissioner pointed out that 80 per cent of the compensation for the land (1996 acres) had already been paid to the farmers, while the rest would be paid to them shortly.The deputy commissioner said that both the sides HPCL officials and the officers of Punjab Government agreed that besides the acquisition cost, the oustees would be compensated through other measures by HPCL.HPCL would spend an amount equivalent to what it spent in Karnataka (on creating civic amenities in community centres etc.), in villages where land for the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery was being acquired, Ladhar said.Employment to one member of each family in the project or one time cash compensation at the rate of Rs 1.50 lakh (as given in the MRPL project), plus the inflation that may take place till the time of actual disbursement would be given.
