Key changes in the Land Acquisition law to take place shortly: Gadkari
Speedier project implementation in the infrastructure sector is the mantra of the new NDA government. The government is considering radical changes in the Land Acquisition Act to enable speedier project implementation by diluting the social impact assessment and consent clauses. Due to these clauses many people in the area who are not ready to part with their lands do not give consent and this hampers land purchase.
The rural development minister Nitin Gadkari consulted with the states and proposed the changes in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. Most of the stakeholders have demanded for the change in the law. Points for action shortlisted by the rural development ministry for the PMO’s consideration include removal of the consent clause for public-private partnership projects.
Under the law passed last year, PPP projects would have required consent of 70 % of landowners. In the new proposed changes draft it is suggested to reduce the consent requirement to 50 % of landowners. The note has argued that the clause should be revisited as ownership in PPP projects vests with the government..
However the provisions stating that compensation for acquisition in rural areas will be four-fold the market price and two-fold in urban regions needs tobe revisited. The social impact assessment (SIA) clause has been both praised and criticised. The ministry has proposed a second look at the “affected family” clause on the ground that it is very elaborate and includes “livelihood losers” who have been working on the affected land for three years before acquisition.
Source- The Times of India
BJP-ruled States, Changes in the Land Acquisition Law, Narendra Modi Government, new Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, Rural Development minister Nitin Gadkari, Social Impact Assessment (SIA), States and Union Territories in New Delhi
