BMRCL's rehab package for affected

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation’s  (BMRCL) rehabilitation package for those affected by the Metro Rail is likely to further antagonize the victims. The package, finalized earlier this week, at a high level meeting presided over by chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, promises compensation at “market rates” for lands to be acquired for the project. It includes replacing the loss of assets, special compensation for resettlement and a final compensation. The total cost of the rehab package is Rs 30 crore. It covers around 1,500 families and proposes the following:

• Package for business losses, besides loss of permanent structures: It is based on payment of taxes as under: Sales Tax/VAT up to Rs 5,000/- - Rs 50,000/-; ST/VAT between Rs 5,001/- and Rs 15,000/- - Rs 75,000/-; ST/VAT above Rs 15001/- - Rs 1 lakh; for those without ST/VAT documents – Rs 25,000/-.

• One-time allowance for inconvenience caused to land owners in terms of finding gas and phone connections, ration cards, school and college admissions at: a) Rs 30,000/- for those who lose total residential structures; b) Rs 24,000/- for those who lose part of their residential building; c) Rs 15,000/- for a single person tenant.

• Transitional allowance: Land owners losing their residential buildings will be paid transitional compensation allowance for a period of six months at: a) Up to 1,000 sq ft – Rs 60,000/-; b) Between 1,000 sq ft and 1500 sq ft – Rs 75,000/-; c) Above 1,501 sq ft – Rs 90,000/-; The above amounts are applicable to residential buildings. The corresponding amount of compensation payable for buildings rented out for commercial purposes will be double the amount applicable to residential rentals.