The Haryana government on Friday decided to grant annuity, residential plot and a commercial site to those whose land has been acquired for various projects, including setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

The Cabinet approved the decision in the policy for rehabilitation of those whose land has been acquired. Chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda told a press conference that the policy will be applicable from March 5, 2005, and will cover all cases of acquisition in which compensation was announced on or after that date.

The landowners would be paid annuity for 33 years over and above the usual land compensation. The amount of annuity will be Rs 15,000 an acre per annum. It will be increased by a fixed sum of Rs 500 every year. In respect of land acquired for setting up SEZs, technology parks, in addition to rehabilitation package notified by the government, a sum of Rs 30,000 an acre per annum will be paid for a period of 33 years by private developers. The annuity will be increased by Rs 1,000 every year. The policy of paying annuity will be applicable to all cases of land acquisition by the government except for those acquired for defence purposes.

He said residential and commercial plot allotment will be made to each co-sharer depending on his share in the land acquired by HUDA and HSIIDC as per scale mentioned in the entitlement.

Hooda said landowners would get plots up to a maximum size of 350 sq yards as part of compensation. A commercial site measuring 2.75 x 2.75 metre would also be allotted. The state would also examine the national rehabilitation policy and make recommendations within two weeks regarding changes, if any.

Hooda said HSIIDC and HUDA would take steps to create infrastructure and employment in villages falling within the acquired land. The meeting approved Haryana Special Economic Zone Rules, 2007, in order to facilitate various procedures to be followed for preparation and approval of master plan and permissions needed at different stages.

Under the rules, Project Evaluation Committee and Project Approval Committee would approve SEZ location. The rules have also specified the percentage of area under roads and open spaces. In non-processing area for residential development, the area under roads, open spaces, public buildings, schools, community buildings shall not be less than 50% of the gross area.

In processing area for industrial development, the area under plots should not exceed 60% of the gross area, Hooda said. In case of Information Technology industry, the ground coverage should be 40% and the maximum floor area ratio permissible should be 250% or as amended from time to time.

The developer will have to furnish a bank guarantee equal to 25% in the case of specific sector SEZ, and 10% for multi-product SEZ of the cost of development, within 30 days of the approval of the master plan. The developer will have to undertake to pay infrastructure development charges as determined from time to time. The developer should also furnish an undertaking of responsibility to maintain and upkeep the SEZ to the satisfaction of the government.