The Centre has defended the rehabilitation and compensation process under the Ken-Betwa Link Project, saying most eligible affected families in Madhya Pradesh have already received compensation and rehabilitation benefits. The clarification comes amid protests in parts of the state, where affected communities have alleged delays and inadequate compensation linked to displacement.

In a factual clarification issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the government said reports alleging that tribal families were being displaced without compensation were “incorrect and misleading”. It said only a limited number of cases remain pending because of legal and procedural formalities. (Press Information Bureau)

₹590.74 Crore Paid

According to government figures, 5,039 affected families have been identified for rehabilitation. Compensation awards amounting to ₹629.87 crore have been made, of which ₹590.74 crore, or 93.78 per cent, has already been paid.

The government said the remaining payments would be processed after the necessary legal and administrative formalities are completed. Land records are also being verified to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not left out of the rehabilitation process. 

Agricultural Compensation

The Centre said that as of July 2026, compensation of ₹360.66 crore had been determined for 10,913 affected persons in connection with agricultural land. Of this, ₹320.45 crore, or 88.85 per cent, had been distributed.

For houses and other residential assets, ₹149.63 crore had been sanctioned, with 93.97 per cent of the amount already paid, according to the government.

Land Compensation Rules

The rehabilitation process is being carried out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, along with a special rehabilitation package approved by the Madhya Pradesh government in September 2023.

For acquired land, compensation is being provided according to the applicable law or at ₹12.50 lakh per hectare, whichever is higher. Compensation is also provided for houses, trees, wells, tube wells and other immovable assets under applicable provisions. 

Eligible families can receive ₹7 lakh for a rural residential plot and ₹6.50 lakh for an urban plot. Families choosing not to take a plot are eligible for ₹12.50 lakh as one-time assistance, according to the Centre.

Protests Continue

The government clarification follows reports of symbolic protests, including 'Chita Andolan', 'Fansi Pradarshan' and 'Jal Satyagraha', in areas affected by the project. Protesters have raised concerns over compensation, rehabilitation and displacement. Earlier reports also recorded demands for enhanced compensation, proper resettlement and greater transparency in the compensation process. 

The issue has also drawn political attention. In July, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed support for protesters and alleged that affected tribal families had not received fair compensation and dignified rehabilitation. 

Centre's 'External Elements' Claim

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has also questioned the participation of some people in the recent protests. According to the government's clarification, names of several people involved in the demonstrations do not appear in project-affected family records, land records or compensation registers.

The Centre has therefore alleged that external elements are involved in some of the protests and are spreading what it described as misleading information about the project and rehabilitation process. 

Project's Wider Benefits

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India's first major river-linking project to enter the implementation stage under the National Perspective Plan. It is designed to transfer surplus water from the Ken basin to water-deficient areas of the Betwa basin in Bundelkhand. 

The government estimates that the project will provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares, drinking water to nearly 62 lakh people and generate 103 MW of hydropower. The project's estimated cost is around ₹44,605 crore. 

The compensation figures released by the Centre are likely to remain a key part of the debate as implementation continues, while affected communities continue to raise questions over displacement, rehabilitation and the adequacy of benefits.

The monsoon season brings an increased risk of food spoilage as high humidity and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and viruses to multiply. Whether ordering groceries online or dining at a restaurant, consumers should stay alert to signs of unsafe food and know their legal rights if they receive expired or contaminated products.

Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of food safety. In one case, a consumer in Hyderabad was awarded ₹70,000 in compensation after receiving a packaged juice bottle containing visible mould. Separately, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to Swiggy Instamart following complaints about expired food items and improper storage practices.

Why Food Spoils Faster During Monsoon

Food can deteriorate quickly during the rainy season due to:

• High humidity and moisture
• Poor storage conditions
• Temperature fluctuations during transportation
• Damaged or tampered packaging
• Inadequate refrigeration
• Delayed deliveries
• Poor hygiene during food preparation

Experts warn that even sealed packaged food can become unsafe if it is not stored correctly.

How to Identify Spoiled Food

Consumers should avoid eating packaged food if they notice:

• Visible mould or fungus
• Swollen packets or bottles
• Broken safety seals
• Leakage
• Unusual colour
• Sour or foul smell
• Strange taste
• Gas formation inside the package

If any of these signs are present, the product should be discarded immediately.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

Consumers may be entitled to compensation if they receive:

• Expired food products
• Contaminated food containing fungus, insects or foreign objects
• Tampered or damaged packaging
• Food that causes food poisoning or illness
• Products for which the seller refuses a refund or replacement
• Unsafe food resulting in physical, emotional or financial loss

Apart from food safety, consumers can also seek legal relief in cases of overcharging above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), defective products, misleading advertisements or poor service.

How to File a Complaint

If the seller or delivery platform fails to resolve the issue, consumers can file a complaint through the government's e-Daakhil portal for consumer disputes.

Before filing a complaint, keep the following documents ready:

• Purchase bill or invoice
• Photographs of the spoiled product
• Product packaging
• Medical reports (if illness occurred)
• Copies of communication with the seller or platform

Consumers can also report food safety violations to FSSAI through its Food Safety Connect platform or state food safety authorities.

Consumer rights experts advise acting promptly, preserving evidence and avoiding consumption of suspicious food products to protect both health and legal claims.

In a significant ruling on disaster relief compensation, the Chhattisgarh High Court has held that a person who dies after falling from a tree during a storm or severe weather conditions is entitled to compensation under the state's natural disaster relief policy.

Setting aside an order of the Revenue Department that had denied relief, the court directed the state government to pay an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh to the deceased's family within 30 days.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court in a case arising from Mohla area of Rajnandgaon district.

Family Challenged Rejection of Compensation

The case was filed by Amar Singh, whose father, Shyamuram Mandavi, died on July 16, 2020, while collecting lac from a tree.

According to the petition, Shyamuram was working atop the tree when a sudden storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, caused him to lose balance and fall. He sustained fatal injuries in the accident.

Following the incident, police completed all legal formalities, including the inquest and post-mortem examination.

Revenue Department Had Denied Relief

Amar Singh later applied for compensation under the state's natural disaster relief policy, seeking the prescribed assistance of ₹4 lakh.

Based on the inquiry, the Naib Tehsildar recommended that compensation be granted. However, the Additional Collector rejected the claim on February 1, 2021, stating that death caused by falling from a tree was not covered under the Revenue Book Circular (RBC) provisions governing natural disaster relief.

The rejection prompted the petitioner to approach the High Court.

Court Interprets Disaster Relief Policy

During the hearing, the High Court referred to Clause 6 of the Revenue Book Circular (RBC) issued on June 9, 2015.

The court observed that deaths resulting from natural events such as storms, cyclones, floods and similar adverse weather conditions qualify as deaths caused by natural disasters. Therefore, relief cannot be denied merely because the immediate cause of death was a fall from a tree if the fall itself resulted from severe weather.

Justice Agrawal held that Shyamuram Mandavi's death was not an ordinary accident but occurred directly because of the storm and heavy rainfall, bringing it within the ambit of the state's disaster relief policy.

High Court Orders Compensation

Quashing the Additional Collector's order, the High Court directed the Chhattisgarh government to release ₹4 lakh as ex gratia assistance to the deceased's son within 30 days.

The ruling is expected to provide clarity in similar cases where fatalities occur due to the indirect effects of natural calamities, ensuring that affected families are not denied compensation solely because of the immediate manner in which the death occurred.

The protest by villagers displaced by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development projects in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district intensified on Wednesday, with demonstrators launching a symbolic "Mitti Satyagraha" and continuing their "Chita Andolan" to press for fair compensation and rehabilitation.

The agitation, being held under the banner of the Jai Kisan Sangathan, entered its fifth day with protesters raising slogans of "Nyay Do Ya Maar Do" (Give us justice or kill us). Despite continuous rainfall, tribal men and women remained at the protest site, accusing the administration of ignoring their long-pending grievances.

Symbolic Protest Gains Momentum

As part of the latest phase of the agitation, villagers smeared mud on their bodies and lay on symbolic funeral pyres along the riverbank, describing the demonstration as a reflection of their struggle for survival after displacement.

The protesters claim they have been affected by multiple development projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgay, Runjh, Neguwa and NTPC-related land acquisition works. They allege that many displaced families have either not received adequate compensation or are still awaiting proper rehabilitation.

Activist Continues Indefinite Hunger Strike

Social activist Amit Bhatnagar, who has extended support to the movement, continued his indefinite hunger strike for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.

Bhatnagar demanded justice for displaced families and called for action against officials allegedly involved in irregularities during land acquisition and rehabilitation.

He alleged that the administration was attempting to intimidate affected families instead of addressing their concerns. According to him, the protest would continue until genuine beneficiaries receive their legal entitlements and an impartial inquiry is conducted into the alleged irregularities.

Administration Accused of Intimidation

According to the protesters, government officials visited the protest site during the day, where a heated exchange took place between officials and villagers.

The protesters alleged that they were being threatened and pressured to withdraw their agitation. They also claimed corruption in government offices, alleging that bribes were demanded during compensation-related processes and that administrative machinery was being misused to suppress their voices.

The administration has not publicly responded to these allegations.

Demand for Compensation and Independent Probe

The protesters have placed several demands before the state government and district administration, including fair compensation for land and houses acquired under various projects and proper rehabilitation of all displaced families.

They have also sought an independent, high-level investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in land acquisition and compensation processes. The protesters further demanded strict legal action against officials found responsible for any wrongdoing and an end to what they describe as intimidation of affected villagers.

Claims of Unfulfilled Promises

Speaking during the protest, Amit Bhatnagar alleged that discussions with the administration had continued for nearly four years without any meaningful resolution.

He claimed that although earlier protests had received support from across the country, assurances given by the administration were never fulfilled. He further alleged that around 250 people were booked in false cases following previous demonstrations and that several houses were demolished before compensation was paid.

Bhatnagar also alleged that acquiring land and demolishing homes without providing compensation violated legal provisions, including protections available under the land acquisition law and judicial directives.

Dispute Over Rehabilitation Continues

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is among several major infrastructure initiatives that require land acquisition across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While the government has maintained that the project is aimed at improving irrigation and water availability in the Bundelkhand region, several affected families continue to demand transparent compensation, rehabilitation and adherence to land acquisition norms.

The protest in Chhatarpur remains ongoing, with displaced families indicating that they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.

The Cockroach Janata Party has placed posters of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak, demanding ₹1 crore compensation for each family.

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived at the Jantar Mantar protest site in Delhi on Saturday, with organizers displaying posters of NEET aspirants who have died by suicide following the examination paper leak controversy.

Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest, which has drawn a significant turnout according to early visuals from the site. The demonstration comes amid growing outrage over student suicides linked to the NEET paper leak, with 13 such deaths reported across the country in the past 38 days.

Dipke's Letter to PM Modi

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Dipke demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of each student who died by suicide. He also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"The atmosphere in the country is affecting the lives and mental health of youth," Dipke wrote in the letter, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Despite re-exams being held, student suicides have not stopped, and the government should focus on the real problem, he said. Dipke warned that if no action is taken, frustration among students and parents may increase further.

The Five Key Demands

The CJP has outlined five key demands in its protest:

1. Immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

2. ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide

3. Comprehensive investigation into the NEET paper leak

4. Systemic reforms in the examination process

5. Mental health support for students preparing for competitive exams

Background: The Birth of CJP

The Cockroach Janta Party was launched after a controversial remark by Justice Suryakant during a court hearing on May 15, when he reportedly compared some unemployed youths to "cockroaches" who challenge the system through media, social media or RTI activism.

A day later, US-based Abhijeet Dipke launched the CJP and created social media accounts for the movement. The 30-year-old is a digital media strategist from Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, who studied journalism in Pune and is currently pursuing a master's degree in public relations at Boston University.

On May 22, the group started an online petition seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which it claimed received support from more than 800,000 people.

Social Media Surge

The party's social media presence grew rapidly. By June 10, its Instagram account had reportedly crossed 22.7 million followers, though the number has since fallen by around 200,000. Even after the decline, CJP's follower count remains higher than that of both the BJP and the Congress on Instagram. The group also has around 279,000 followers on X.

Appeal to Political Leaders

Dipke appealed to political leaders concerned about students' future to come forward in support. "Whatever political leaders are concerned about the future of students and believe that paper leaks are damaging the country's education system, they should come forward in support of students," he said.

He confirmed that he has not had any conversation with Rahul Gandhi regarding the issue. Dipke also criticized the political class, saying leaders have money to win over MLAs and MPs but not to help students' families.

"The education system is gradually turning into a business, and public representatives are more interested in running private institutions rather than strengthening government schools," he said.

The Toll on Students

The protest comes amid a heartbreaking toll. In the past 38 days, 13 students related to the NEET exam have died by suicide across the country. In Indore, a female student preparing for NEET fell from the third floor late Thursday night and died on Friday morning. A video of the student's fall has also surfaced.

Previous Protests

The CJP has previously held demonstrations at Jantar Mantar on June 6. The party has also organized protests in Pune, Lucknow, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Nagpur so far.

Saturday's protest at Jantar Mantar has seen a better turnout than the previous demonstration, according to reports from the site. Supporters were seen waving the Indian flag and party flags during the protest, carrying CJP posters and placards demanding justice for students.

Anuppur Lodge Collapse: Third Body Found, Rs 9 Lakh Compensation

Three dead as three-storey building caves in near Kotma bus stand; rescue teams from Bhilai and Varanasi join operation.

The death toll in the Anuppur lodge collapse rose to three on Sunday morning as rescue personnel pulled out a woman’s body from the debris. The three-storey building in Kotma bus stand area had caved in on Saturday evening. Officials confirmed two earlier fatalities – Hanuman Deen Yadav (55) and Ram Kripal Yadav (40) – while three persons sustained injuries. The woman’s identity remains unknown.

Rescue Operations Continue

More than 100 personnel from NDRF, SDRF and local teams have been clearing the rubble for nearly 19 hours. Special rescue units from Bhilai and Varanasi reached the site on Sunday to assist. According to officials, the operation will continue until all debris is removed and any remaining trapped persons are accounted for.

Cause Under Investigation

Eyewitnesses said the building tilted towards an adjacent pit before collapsing. Preliminary findings indicate that a 12-feet-deep pit dug for construction work nearby had filled with water, possibly weakening the lodge’s foundation. A senior district official said a structural audit will be conducted once rescue work ends.

Case Registered Against Owners

Anuppur Superintendent of Police Motiur Rahman confirmed that a case has been filed at Kotma police station under BNS sections 290 and 106. The accused are land owner Rajeev Garg and lodge owner Lallu Lal Agrawal. Police said negligence in construction safety and failure to maintain the building’s stability are the primary grounds for the case.

Compensation Announced

Collector Harshal Pancholi announced on Sunday that the state government will provide Rs 9 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Injured persons will receive Rs 2.5 lakh each. “The compensation will be disbursed immediately after verification of documents,” the collector said, adding that medical expenses of the injured will also be borne by the administration.

Former MLA Raises Concerns

Former Kotma MLA Sunil Saraf expressed alarm over the incident, stating that several other buildings in the area face similar risks. “This is not an isolated case. Many structures here have been weakened by nearby excavation. The administration must take strict action to prevent a repeat,” he told reporters.

Market Shut for Safety

Local markets near the bus stand remained closed on Sunday due to the ongoing rescue and barricading. Residents pointed out that the casualty count could have been much higher had the market been open on Saturday. The lodge was undergoing repairs at the time, which kept footfall low, according to shopkeepers.

Search Teams Face Challenges

A 41-member NDRF team from Varanasi along with Bhilai’s rescue unit has been using dog squads and heavy machinery. However, the depth of the debris and the water-filled pit are hampering progress. “The dogs are returning repeatedly because of the unstable ground. We are removing debris in layers,” a rescue official said. CCTV footage of the collapse is being reviewed to trace any other missing persons.

Officials have assured that a full inquiry into the building’s permissions and structural safety will follow. Meanwhile, rescue teams remain on high alert as hopes fade of finding more survivors under the concrete and mud. The district administration has urged the public to avoid the area and report any similar unsafe structures immediately.