Resolve pending compensation & employment cases fast: Nitin Gadkari to WCL

Nagpur: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has asked Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) to take swift action in resolving pending compensation and employment issues affecting project-affected persons (PAPs). The directives were issued on Monday during a meeting chaired by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy at the WCL headquarters.
Gadkari emphasized that the prolonged delays have severely impacted underprivileged families, many of whom are struggling for survival. BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and other key officials were also present.
WCL informed the ministers that 43 employment cases are stuck in the High Court, and more than 900 land acquisition cases are pending with special tribunals. Gadkari instructed WCL to collaborate with district authorities to expedite these cases and maintain detailed taluka-level records.
Gadkari stressed that compensation for land acquisition should be fair, transparent, and in accordance with applicable central or state laws. He urged WCL to ensure timely compensation and revisit cases with the help of revenue departments if necessary. Additionally, he called for a balanced policy approach across states to address varying land acquisition practices. To streamline resettlement, Gadkari suggested considering the appointment of a single agency. He also emphasised resolving all employment-related cases and encouraged private sector mine operators to employ qualified PAPs.
Coal Minister Reddy recommended including employment provisions in contractors' agreements and hinted at revising compensation rates for land acquisition. Highlighting the issue of trucks causing congestion near mines, Gadkari advised leveraging digital technology and logistics management to prevent premature truck arrivals. Praising WCL, he lauded its efforts in eradicating black-market coal trading and increasing production, while calling for policy changes to reopen dormant mines to boost employment.