The Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma has said that land for setting up public sector steel plants, including Bhilai Steel Plant, is acquired by the concerned State Government as per the provisions of Land Acquisition Act. The rehabilitation/compensation and other issues of displaced persons are dealt with by the competent authority under the Land and Rehabilitation policies of the concerned State Government. The employment to displaced persons is being regulated in terms of guidelines which have been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, whereby other things being equal, displaced persons are considered and given preference for employment. At present, there are no cases for employment of displaced persons satisfying the eligibility criteria pending in Bhilai Steel Plant.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today Shri Verma said, SAIL has provided employment over the years to more than 27000 persons under the displaced category at its steel plants at Bhilai, Rourkela, Bokaro & Salem which is well over the 19000 families displaced. Details are as under:-

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NSK/DB