'Govt may re-promulgate land ordinance'

Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Birender Singh on Wednesday said that the Government is likely to make another effort for a consensus on the land Bill with Opposition parties and may issue a “re-ordinance”. While talking to the mediapersons here, he said, “We are thinking to make one more attempt and talk to other political parties so that we may have a consensus. As everyone is aware land Acquisition Ordinance will expire on April 5, maybe we will have to issue re-ordinance.”

The Union Minister also said that consensus of all political parties (and their suggestions which are for the benefit of farmers) will be taken before the land Acquisition Bill gets final nod. The Minister said that only wasteland and non-cultivated land will be acquired on priority. He made it clear that land acquired would be as per the present actual requirement of the project and not for future expansion. Singh blamed the Congress for starting a “misinformation campaign” on the land Bill to “mislead the farmers and the people”.

He clarified that only Government would acquire the land in public interest and it will not be given to any industrialist or businessman.

Birender Singh said that eight amendments have been made in the Bill and all provisions have been drafted keeping in mind the progress of the farmers as well as the country. On issues between Punjab and Haryana, he said that this is the high time when all issues, including water, between Haryana and Punjab could be resolved.

The Minister said that there is BJP Government both at the Centre and in Haryana and with the support of BJP in Punjab. Therefore, this is the right time to resolve the issues between both States which would ensure betterment of both States.