The Comptroller and Auditor General’s performance audit reveals that between FY 2017‑18 and 2021‑22, Eastern Coalfields Ltd and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd underpaid tribal landowners by at least Rs 15.25 crore across 66 cases, offering compensation far below statutory rates. The report highlights systemic failures in protecting tribal rights during mineral‑rich land acquisitions.

Key Takeaways

  • ECL/BCCL underpaid a total of Rs 15.25 crore in 66 audited cases.
  • Compensation per acre ranged between ₹2.5‑12.6 lakh versus the government standard of ₹19.7‑125 lakh.
  • District officials were largely absent from Rehabilitation Action Plans, leading to major resettlement gaps.

Scale of the Financial Shortfall

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) flagged that during the five financial years from 2017‑18 to 2021‑22, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) paid tribal landowners considerably less than the government‑mandated compensation for mineral‑rich lands in West Bengal. For a single acre, owners received only ₹2.5‑12.6 lakh, whereas the statutory range is ₹19.7‑125 lakh.

Historical Background

Under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (Article 342), 40 ethnic groups in West Bengal are recognized as Scheduled Tribes. According to the 2011 Census, tribal communities constitute 5.8 % of the state’s population and 5.08 % of the nation’s tribal population. Among them, the Toto (Jalpaiguri), Birhor (Purulia) and Lodha (Paschim Medinipur) are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) due to persistent socio‑economic backwardness.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the systematic undervaluation of tribal land not only breaches constitutional safeguards but also fuels social unrest in mineral‑rich districts, jeopardizing long‑term mining licenses and corporate reputation.

"When the legally mandated minimum compensation is ignored, it deepens economic inequality and erodes the very principle of social justice," notes financial policy expert Dr. Anita Gupta.
Did You Know?: Only 12 % of West Bengal’s tribal households received an official rehabilitation plan during 2020‑21.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this issue confined to West Bengal?

The current CAG report focuses on 66 cases in West Bengal, but similar patterns have been reported in other mining‑affected states.

What actions has the government taken?

Following CAG’s recommendations, the state government has signaled a review of compensation and resettlement policies, yet concrete measures remain pending.