The Assam Director General of Police, GP Singh, has underscored the government’s stance on the issue of Bandh, highlighting the state’s authority to recover losses incurred from such disruptions.
Assam Govt to Recover Losses from Bandhs
Referring to a 2019 order by the Gauhati High Court, Singh emphasized the government’s right to recuperate financial damages arising from blockades orchestrated by various organizations, unions, and individuals.
With Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) standing at INR 5,65,401 Crore, Singh estimated that a single day’s Bandh could result in approximately INR 1643 Crores in losses, which would be recoverable under Para 35(9) of the aforementioned court order. Citing the specific provisions outlined in the Gauhati High Court’s 2019 order, Singh elucidated the government’s responsibilities in assessing and compensating for losses attributable to Bandh or blockades.
The order mandates the establishment of a Bandh Loss Compensation Fund within three months, to be overseen by an authority chaired by a retired District and Sessions Judge, with possible inclusion of an Administrative Officer, retired or serving. This authority is empowered to engage assessors or valuers to evaluate claims for compensation and ensure timely resolution of grievances related to loss of person or property during Bandh or blockades.
Under the directives outlined in the court order, the Assam government’s Home and Political Department is tasked with depositing the recovered losses into the Bandh Loss Compensation Fund. Furthermore, the order stipulates that all claims for compensation must be adjudicated by the Fund’s authority, which is required to devise efficient procedures for swift resolution of claims from private individuals, public bodies, and juristic persons affected by Bandh or blockades. This comprehensive framework aims to address the economic and social repercussions of such disruptions while facilitating a transparent and expedited process for compensation disbursement.
ALSO READ: ASSAM’S DEPUTY SPEAKER ANNOUNCES IMPENDING RELEASE OF CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT ACT RULES
