However, we were dismayed by your indication that NABARD must rely o­n project authorities and related state governments to ascertain whether proper rehabilitation procedures are being followed. Given the poor track record of most such authorities it is imperative that NABARD have its own independent monitoring and evaluation of rehabilitation procedures at every stage, not o­nly in the case of the Upper Beda dam but all such projects where NABARD is involved. 

Over the last two decades the shocking plight of project affected people, who have never been properly rehabilitated, has been documented in considerable detail. We urge you, as the Chairperson of the nation_s apex bank for rural development, to take a pro-active role in ensuring that:

All NABARD funded projects have excellent rehabilitation for affected people. If this were to be done in a truly rigorous manner you will find that many projects, in their present form, are unviable since proper land-for-land rehabilitation is difficult or impossible.  

Link all of NABARD_s re-finance facilities to a triple-bottom-line performance by the recipient authorities. This would mean that the funds disbursed by NABARD must show returns at three levels -- financial, social and environmental, with special attention to rehabilitation of displaced persons.  

With the budget allocation for NABARD now going up to Rs. 8000 crores it has an even bigger role to play in setting high standards for transparency and accountability. It is in the interest of efficient implementation of projects and recovery of loans that NABARD should ensure that project documents are easily available to all stakeholders.  

If NABARD took a tough line against illegal displacement, and actually linked it to disbursals, this could be a powerful incentive for recalcitrant state governments to stop violating basic human rights.  We are disturbed to learn, from the NBA representatives, that such illegal displacement has already taken place in the case of the NABARD financed Man dam in Madhya Pradesh.  Since you have reaffirmed NABARD_s commitment to fulfilling the letter and spirit of the law we are sure that you will investigate this charge regarding the Man project and take corrective action both in that case and in all future projects.  

You could also set a powerful precedent for this in the case of the Upper Beda Dam. Thus we urge you to make it known to the Narmada Valley Development Authority and MP Government that there will be no dispersal_s of funds for the project without full and proper rehabilitation. This would mean providing irrigated agricultural land to the tribals and Banjara families who are being displaced -- which is what the rehabilitation policy calls for. As the NBA representatives informed you during our meeting,  the project affected persons are being pressured by these

authorities to accept  cash compensation, which is a violation of the legal procedure. Thus it is

imperative that NABARD have its own monitoring and review machinery to ensure that there are no human rights abuses in projects it funds.

All of the above is already written into the mandate of NABARD. What we are appealing for is the kind of  pro-active energy that is essential for true democracy. For example, Dr. Armity Desai as the Director of Tata Institute of Social Sciences made a seminal contribution towards the human rights of the displaced by going public with a report her institute had done for the World Bank monitoring the R & R dimension of the Sardar Sarovar Project.  Even more notably, Mr. T.N.Seshan_s assertive and decisive stand during his tenure as Chief Election Commissioner has

revitalized that post and made it a crucial pillar of democracy in India.

You are already established as a path-maker, a woman who has broken the _glass ceiling_ and risen to the top of the banking sector. We urge you to expand the opportunity this offers you and take the lead in rectifying the injustices of illegal displacement.

Thanking You.

Sincerely,

Benny Kuruvilla, Researcher, Focus o­n Global South -India

Rajni Bakshi, Writer, Trustee Jansahayog Trust

Sakina Bohra, Researcher, FAOW

Sandhya Gokhale, Researcher, Forum Against Oppression of Women (FAOW)

Sujata Gothoskar, Researcher, Women In Income Generations (WINGS)