No unanimity, GoM defers decision on land bill

Divergence of opinion on issues such as methodology of valuating land and question of retrospective application of the land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement bill prevented a group of ministers (GoM) from clearing it on Thursday.

Divergence of opinion on issues such as methodology of valuating land and question of retrospective application of the land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement bill prevented a group of ministers (GoM) from clearing it on Thursday.

HT Image

"We will meet again. No decision happened today," agriculture minister and GoM chairman Sharad Pawar said after the meeting. Sources in the meeting told HT that the ministers debated on which central acts should not come under the purview of the bill. It would mean that acquisition under these acts would not attract higher compensation for land-losers.

Proposals were also made to change the definition of livelihood earners — a section entitled for compensation. The proposed bill suggested that people working on a land for at least five years should be compensated. "Some members felt the cap should be three years," said rural development minister Jairam Ramesh.

"Many members also felt that a window of retrospective application should be kept especially where farmers are yet to get compensation," Ramesh added.

The minister, however, addressed a major concern of commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma and agreed that mandatory consent of 66% of farmers would not be required for acquiring land for industrial corridors and national manufacturing zones.

Urban development minister Kamal Nath objected to the methodology of valuating the land on the basis of circle rates. "In many areas, defective circle rates would not ensure proper compensation," he said proposing gram panchayets should decide the land price.