Thiruvananthapuram : Compensation of Rs 1.6 lakh and a life model house or a rehabilitation package of Rs 4.6 lakh will be given in addition to compensation to landowners who forsake their land in connection with the K-rail project. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the rehabilitation package for landowners will be twice the market price.

As part of the package, the government is offering three options for extremely poor families who are losing their homes and becoming landless. The first option is five cents of land in addition to the compensation amount and a “life model” house. The second option offers compensation amounts, five cents of land and Rs 4 lakh. The third option will provide Rs10 lakh in addition to the compensation amount.

In cases where farmhouses are demolished, the compensation will be between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000. Landlords who lose a commercial enterprise will be paid an amount that is twice the market piece and an additional Rs 50,000. Those who lose a commercial establishment in a rented building will also be given Rs 2 lakh as part of the package.

In addition, Rs 30,000 will be given to tenants who lose their accommodation. Special assistance of Rs. 50,000 / - will be given to self-employed persons, retailers and artisans who lose their jobs. Workers in evacuated commercial establishments will be paid Rs 6,000 per month for six months. Street vendors will be given assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

The package also includes a compensation of Rs 5,000 for six months to occupants or traders on outlying land in addition to the cost of the land. Eligible candidates from family members affected by the project will be given special consideration in job vacancies related to the project. Priority to take up space in the commercial complexes built by K-rail will be given to those who lose commercial businesses owing to the project.