New Delhi: Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has disbursed its first One-Time Lump Sum (OTL) compensation in lieu of employment under its Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) Policy, marking a key step in reforming its land acquisition and compensation framework.
The compensation has been handed over to Akash Deogharia, a resident of Lachmanpur village in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, making him the first land loser in the ECL command area to opt for monetary compensation instead of employment. Deogharia had earlier been appointed as a General Assistant in June 2025 under the land-for-employment provision of ECL’s R&R scheme.
Following the introduction of the One Time Lump Sum / Lump Sum Annuity (OTLA) scheme, Deogharia voluntarily opted for financial compensation in place of employment. Chairman-cum-Managing Director of ECL, Satish Jha, along with other functional directors, handed over a cheque of Rs 93.32 lakh to him at a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters.
Addressing the gathering, Jha said the OTLA scheme is a reform-oriented initiative aimed at enhancing transparency, equity and flexibility in land acquisition compensation. Under the scheme, landowners are given the option to choose either a one-time lump sum payment or a modified annuity scheme on a pro-rata basis instead of employment-linked compensation.
He said the compensation amount in West Bengal ranges from around Rs 89 lakh to Rs 1.20 crore for two acres of land, depending on location and other parameters. Jha noted that prudent investment of the compensation could provide long-term financial security and allow land losers, particularly younger beneficiaries, to pursue entrepreneurship, self-employment or higher education.
The CMD added that the scheme is particularly beneficial for marginal landowners who often face challenges in qualifying for employment due to smaller landholdings. He also said that traders, business owners and individuals already engaged in employment could use the annuity option to create a stable supplementary income stream.
Sharing his experience, Deogharia said his decision to opt for the OTL scheme was taken after consultations with family members and financial experts. He stated that the interest income from the compensation would exceed his salary at ECL and that diversified investments could further improve returns while preserving capital.
He added that the scheme has enabled him to pursue his legal profession, aligning his work with his education and long-term career goals. Deogharia also advised other land losers, especially educated youth, to consider the OTL option and avoid intermediaries, stating that direct compensation from ECL is faster and more efficient than the employment-linked route.
Expressing confidence in the scheme’s future, Deogharia said increased awareness could lead more land losers to opt for the OTLA scheme, potentially making it a transformative initiative for the region.
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