Land bill deferred to budget session

The contentious land acquisition bill, which was supposed to be reintroduced in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, has been deferred till the budget session.

The contentious land acquisition bill, which was supposed to be reintroduced in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, has been deferred till the budget session.

HT Image

Though the amendments to the bill — over 150 — were circulated by morning, various parties and MPs expressed dissatisfaction over the short notice being given to “such an important bill and the changes”.

A new land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation bill was introduced in September 2011. It was later referred to a standing committeefor settling contentious clauses.

“They have brought about 155 amendments, and want the bill to be passed today. They have also broadened the definition of public purpose, allowing all sorts of industry,” CPM leader Basudeb Acharia told HT. “We demand that the bill be sent to the standing committee again.”

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav also echoed his opposition. The government finally announced in the evening that the bill was being deferred to the next session.

Sources said the bill seeks benefits beyond monetary compensation for families affected by involuntary displacement. Affected families, in this instance, include agricultural labourers, tenants or artisans living in the areas three years prior to the acquisition.

All affected families are entitled to a house, provided they have been residing in the area for five years or more. If they choose not to accept the house, a one-time financial grant would be provided.

With PTI inputs