Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 December 2025
A newly formed association representing ex-servicemen settler families and residents of Shastri Nagar and Gandhi Nagar in Great Nicobar Island has submitted a formal representation to the Prime Minister of India, seeking fair compensation and rehabilitation in connection with the ongoing land acquisition for the Greenfield International Airport project under the Great Nicobar Island mega development plan.
The letter, addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, and the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was submitted by the Dependents and Ex-Servicemen Forum for Equitable Negotiation, Compensation & Entitlements (DEF-GNI). Copies of the communication have also been shared with the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner for necessary action.
The forum clarified that it is not opposed to the development projects planned for the island, including the transshipment port, power plant and township. Instead, its primary concern is ensuring that the rights, contributions, and sacrifices of the original settler families are acknowledged and protected.
The ex-servicemen settlement scheme in Great Nicobar was launched between 1969 and 1980 to strengthen India’s strategic foothold in the southernmost part of the country. Although the Government initially planned to settle 1,000 families, only 330 were eventually allotted land due to reported environmental concerns.
The settlers endured extreme isolation and limited access to basic services, the forum noted, adding that the current phase of development gives them renewed hope that their decades of hardship may finally be recognised.
The current land acquisition process under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, primarily affects residents of Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar—the two southernmost revenue villages of India. Surveys and census activities under Section 16(1) are already underway.
Key Demands Submitted:
The forum placed several demands before the Centre, including:
- Compensation of atleast ₹1 Crore (Rupees One Crore Only) per acre of land being acquired OR Allotment of alternate land equivalent to the acquired land within Great Nicobar Island.
- For the purpose of rehabilitation and resettlement, each descendant of the original Ex-Servicemen Settler aged 18 years and above should be treated as a separate family unit, irrespective of marital status, and all benefits must be allocated accordingly.
- Individual allotment of at least 1000 sq. meters of land in Great Nicobar Island to each family for residence, kitchen garden and animal husbandry.
- Construction of a spacious RCC house for each Ex-Servicemen Settler Family, consisting of: 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and toilets, drawing room, dining area, verandah, backyard
OR
A financial package equivalent to the construction cost of such a house in Great Nicobar Island. - Existing Permanent Tsunami Shelters allotted over a decade ago should be treated as the rightful property of the allottees. Compensation should include the value of: land, plantation on the permanent shelter land, structure and modifications made by the occupant.
- The following minimum standard value of plantation crops must be fixed, and compensation should be calculated as per laws and rules by applying all eligible benefits over and above the minimum standard value: Coconut – ₹53,760, Arecanut – ₹33,345, Mango – ₹1,00,800, Guava – ₹10,500, Jackfruit – ₹28,000, Tamarind – ₹37,800, Clove – ₹36,750, Cashew nut – ₹24,500, Jamun – ₹16,800, Cinnamon – ₹6,300, Bay Leaves – ₹2,625, Drumstick – ₹6,300
- At least one Government job in A&N Administration or Central Government departments in A&N Islands should be provided to each Ex-Servicemen Settler Family, based on qualification and with suitable age relaxation.
- Adequate and enhanced compensation must be provided to individuals for livestock, as the land acquisition will affect their ability to maintain and accommodate these animals.
- Enhanced benefits, perks and entitlements applicable under relevant schemes, laws and policies must be extended to every Ex-Servicemen Settler Family.
The forum emphasised that these demands are reasonable and justified, considering the strategic role the settlers have played in securing India’s southern maritime frontier for more than five decades.
