The new Land Acquisition Bill is expected to be industry friendly
The NDA government is trying to incorporate all the possible alterations to make the UPA-enacted bill more industry friendly. The rural development ministry is ready to place before PM Modi a list of proposed amendments to the land bill. These amendments were placed after discussing with all the state governments.
Proposals include a change in the consent clause, which will now allow for a simple majority to approve land acquisition making it far easier to win approval. From gaining a go ahead from 70% people affected from a land acquisition, the new proposal has lowered it to 50% stakeholders.
A ban on acquisition of multi-crop land may also be lifted.Many projects launched by the previous UPA government were stalled as the required land for the project was not acquired before starting the projects.
Many states want complete autonomy on issues of land acquisition, keeping the Centre at arm’s length. They feel that they are more equipped to handle such issues as it is pertaining to the land of their own states.
For instance, West Bengal has categorically sought to have its own land acquisition policy. Tamil Nadu wants the “power to define public purpose” and feels the present act is an “infringement upon the state’s autonomy.” UP too has sought similar powers for the state government. Odisha is the only state which has refrained from making political demands, is expected to go along with the Centre on getting the Act amended.
Source- Hindustan Times
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