UP Cabinet approves rehabilitation plan for 99 Hindu families displaced from former East Pakistan

Lucknow:The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a major rehabilitation plan for 99 Hindu families who migrated from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and are currently living illegally in the Mawana area of Meerut district.

The decision was announced by Finance, Parliamentary Affairs and Family Welfare Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Addressing the media, Khanna said the families are presently residing in the Nangla Gosai area and will be rehabilitated in accordance with the norms laid down by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

He stated that the government has finalised a structured resettlement plan to provide them with land and housing facilities while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Under the rehabilitation scheme, 50 families will be relocated to Bhainsa village in Kanpur Dehat district, where the Rehabilitation Department has identified 27.51 acres of land for the purpose.

The remaining 49 families will be resettled in Tajpur Tarsauli village, where 26.01 acres have been earmarked for their rehabilitation. The state government has assured that basic infrastructure and amenities will be developed at both locations to support long-term settlement.

As per the approved plan, each family will be allotted 0.5 acres of land on a lease basis for a period of 30 years. The lease can be renewed twice, allowing the families to retain possession of the land for up to 90 years.

After the completion of this period, beneficiaries will be required to pay a fixed premium or lease rent as determined by the government, Khanna said.

Officials said the rehabilitation policy aims to provide stability and legal security to families who have lived in uncertainty for decades after migrating from the then East Pakistan during periods of political upheaval.

Many of these families have been residing in temporary or unauthorised settlements, lacking access to proper housing and civic facilities. The cabinet decision is also seen as part of the state government’s broader effort to address long-pending rehabilitation issues while balancing environmental and legal considerations.

By relocating the families from their current settlement, the government aims to prevent further violations of NGT norms and ensure sustainable land use.

The move has drawn attention at a time when displacement, rehabilitation and citizenship-related concerns continue to feature prominently in public discourse.

Officials said detailed implementation guidelines would be issued soon, and district administrations concerned have been directed to coordinate closely to ensure a smooth relocation process without hardship to the affected families.

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