Port Blair, Mar 20: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today demanded resettlement of Indian Origin Sri Lankan Repatriates from the Tribal area of Katchal to Saithan Khari Rubber Plantation as decided in the Meeting Chaired by the Lt. Governor on 9/7/2003 and which reviewed by the Chief Secretary on 5/6/2008.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor of A & N Islands today the MP today wrote that the case is pending since the year 1974 and have now become a burning issue among the stake holders viz the Sri Lankan Tamil Settlers and the Tribals of Katchal.
Mr. Ray prayed upon that as decided by the Administration in the year 2003 and 2008 to implement package for the Sri Lankan repatriates, which contains allotment of 1.5 hect of land to each of the original repatriates families in Saithankhari Rubber Plantation; Rubber Board and Administration can join together to develop the Saithankhari Plantation in a phased manner on a cost sharing basis; Two members of each family may be provided regular employment for the initial 5-6 years by the Rubber Board and the Deputy Commissioner and Agriculture Department to formulate a definite package for shifting the repatriate families from Katchal to Saithankhari and to plan income generating scheme within one month time.
Mr. Ray also demanded shifting allowance of Rs. 75,000/-; 2-3 years DRM job subject to number of persons of the family; Free ration for 2 – 3 years and stipend for the students for 2- 3 years etc.
