Noida Airport Land Owners Stage Protest Over Unfulfilled Job Assurances
As the Noida International Airport prepares for its imminent inauguration, a significant issue has emerged involving approximately 334 families who opted for employment instead of monetary compensation during the initial phases of land acquisition. These families are still awaiting the jobs promised to them, leading to a protest near the airport site in Jewar on Monday.
Protesters Demand Direct Employment from Concessionaire
A group of affected individuals gathered to voice their frustrations, insisting on direct employment from the concessionaire, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), rather than through private vendors as recently proposed. The protesters highlighted that they had been waiting for years for job opportunities assured during the land acquisition process.
Saurabh Sharma, a resident of Banwaripur village who lost 10 acres of land in 2019, shared his plight. "Officials assured us that beneficiaries would receive job opportunities in return for our land. I have been waiting since then, but nothing has materialized. Now, they say jobs will be offered through contractors. We want stable employment directly with YIAPL," he stated. Sharma, who holds an MTech in automobile engineering, mentioned a meeting with airport officials on February 23, attended by police and local MLA Dhirendra Singh, where assurances were given but no updates followed.
Concerns Over Contractor-Based Employment
Another protester, Chand Mohammad from Nangla Shareef village, expressed concerns about the proposed employment through private contractors. "This means lower pay, less stability, and no benefits like provident fund or medical coverage. We will continue our protest until our demands are met," he asserted, noting that job seekers gathered despite the heat to make their voices heard.
Legal Framework and Official Response
Under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, governments are required to ensure that families affected by land acquisition receive skill training and employment opportunities or full compensation. However, a Yamuna Authority official clarified that the Act does not mandate direct employment by the concessionaire.
"It is not feasible for the concessionaire to hire all candidates directly. For instance, pilots and cabin crew will be employed by airline companies, not YIAPL. Around 70 private companies operating from the airport are willing to offer jobs, but some candidates are unwilling to work through these firms," the official explained. He added that an agreement ensures no candidate would be removed from employment without approval from Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL).
Resolution and Future Steps
The protest was called off after NIAL officials arrived at the site in the evening and assured the protesters that their grievances would be addressed. During the first two phases of land acquisition, about 334 families chose employment over compensation, with 181 having applied for jobs so far.
Authorities acquired approximately 1,334 hectares of land in the first phase and another 1,365 hectares in the second phase for the airport project. An additional 2,053 hectares are expected to be acquired in the third and fourth phases, potentially affecting more families in the future.
This situation underscores the challenges in balancing infrastructure development with the rights and promises made to displaced communities, as Noida International Airport moves closer to becoming operational.
