Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed serious concern over the widespread misuse and misappropriation of huge amounts of money disbursed as land compensation for various infrastructure projects across Arunachal Pradesh. Addressing a coordination meeting of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) at the State Banquet Hall here, the CM described the rampant corruption in land-compensation distribution as a “cancer” that is eating into the state’s development process and depriving genuine landowners of their rightful dues.
He revealed that in many cases, powerful individuals, influential groups, and even some public leaders are illegally claiming and pocketing compensation meant for affected families by producing fabricated documents and forged clan genealogies.
Key Highlights from CM’s Address
- Scale of the problem: Crores of rupees released under land compensation for highways, hydropower projects, Trans-Arunachal Highway, defence infrastructure, and other flagship schemes are being systematically siphoned off.
- Modus operandi: Fraudulent claimants are using fake affidavits, manipulated family trees, and forged community resolutions to stake claims, often intimidating or sidelining genuine landowners.
- Impact: Real affected families are left empty-handed, leading to prolonged agitations, project delays, social unrest, and a trust deficit between the government and the people.
CM Khandu termed the practice “daylight robbery” and stressed that such malpractices not only hamper developmental pace but also breed inequality and resentment within tribal societies that traditionally follow equitable customary laws.
Strong Appeal to CBOs and Civil Society
The Chief Minister made an impassioned appeal to all CBOs — including students’ unions, women’s organisations, community trusts, and gaon burahs — to rise above political affiliations and actively lead an anti-corruption crusade at the grassroots level.
“You are the real custodians of our society. If you remain silent or become party to such corruption, the future of Arunachal will be in danger. I urge you to verify claims, expose frauds, and ensure that compensation reaches only genuine affected persons,” Khandu said.
He assured full government backing, including legal and administrative support, to any CBO or individual who comes forward with evidence of malpractice.
Proposed Measures and Government Stance
- Strict verification protocols will be enforced through district administrations and project authorities.
- Fast-track inquiry committees to be constituted wherever complaints are received.
- Erring officials found colluding will face immediate suspension and criminal proceedings.
- Digital and transparent mechanisms for compensation disbursement to be explored on priority.
The meeting, attended by heads and representatives of major CBOs from across the state, also discussed other public grievances, border issues, and developmental concerns. Participants welcomed the CM’s candid approach and pledged cooperation in rooting out corruption.
The strong message from the Chief Minister has been widely appreciated, with many viewing it as a watershed moment in Arunachal’s fight against corruption in land and resource matters that have long plagued major projects.
(Source: India Today NE)
