Port Blair, May 25: The Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Food Processing and Industries Dr Charan Das Mahant interacted with the tsunami affected farmers and the islands M P , Bishnu Pada Ray at Stewartgunj on Thursday. The farmers apprised the Minister of their problems, especially the long delay in the payment of compensation for their submerged lands after tsunami.
The Islands M P, Mr Bishnu Pada Ray informed the Minister that the farmers are unwilling to surrender their lands to the administration as the proposed compensation rate is very low. He also handed over a copy of memorandum which was already submitted to the Prime Minister in this regard. He said he had met the Prime Minister along with the tsunami affected farmers delegation and submitted the memorandum seeking necessary direction to the concerned authority to expedite the payment of compensation to the farmers without acquiring their lands. He also revealed that as many as 130 MPs supported the demand of the farmers and signed the Memorandum.
Dr.Mahant gave patient hearing to the grievances of the farmers and assured them proper action will be taken to redress their grievances and early sanction of proper compensation for their submerged lands.
About hundred farmers from different parts of South Andaman including Panchayat Pradhan Mr.Mohammed Aziz participated in the interaction with the minister.
Dr .Mahant arrived Port Blair on 23rd of this month on three days tour. He will leave the islands on Saturday (PIB)
