The government's promise that it will provide employment to one person in addition to compensation for those who lose their land and accommodation when acquiring land for K-Rail is noteworthy. There are a lot of people here who sell or even mortgage their house to get a job. The government's job offer is, of course, gripping for those in this category. Eligibility-based employment will be provided in addition to adequate compensation to those from vulnerable and extremely poor families who have to give up their homes and land for the new railway line. Indications are that people from these categories will be considered for jobs ranging from the cleaning department to the engineering department. It is also a way to pacify the opposition of those who lose their land.

The government had recently told the high court that only the survey was being conducted now and that the actual number of people who would lose their land and houses could be ascertained only after completing it. It also clarified that the land was frozen anywhere in the name of the survey.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had reiterated at the CPM party congress in Kannur yesterday that the government would go ahead with the K-Rail project. Party workers have been conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns in various areas to quell protests. The government hopes that the opposition to the project will subside once people understand the real facts. It should not be forgotten that details and clarity regarding the project are yet to come out.

It is noteworthy that the High Court had pointed out that it was surprising that the Railways, which is a partner in the K-Rail project, remained silent on issues including the survey for a socio-economic impact study. This is the suspicion that several people felt from the very beginning. Despite the major political controversy over the project, there has been no response on the part of the railways. The Railways have an obligation to put forward their position without hesitation. Such big projects should not be viewed through a political mirror.

Only after the completion of the survey process will it be possible to know the exact amount of land to be acquired and how many to be relocated. Similarly, clarity is required regarding the railway land on which the K-Rail will pass.