Odisha Unveils Progressive R&R Policy with Land-for-Land Compensation

(OT Webdesk)In a landmark move, the Odisha government is set to roll out a new Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Policy by the end of 2025, aimed at empowering displaced communities through participatory decision-making and flexible compensation options.

Announced by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the policy ensures that land acquisition will only proceed with the consent of affected individuals.

Displaced persons will be offered three choices: land-for-land compensation, proportional shareholding in development projects, or monetary payouts.

The policy is especially sensitive to tribal communities, many of whom prefer land over cash for long-term security and cultural preservation.

Officials highlighted that monetary compensation often fails to sustain livelihoods, with funds typically exhausted within three years due to limited financial literacy.

By prioritizing land-for-land exchanges near displacement sites and enabling project participation, the government aims to align with global best practices for sustainable rehabilitation.

This marks a strategic shift in Odisha’s development approach, placing community agency and cultural continuity at its core.