The UPA Government’s ambitious land Acquisition Act on Friday saw a strong opposition from several States, including Congress-ruled Haryana, Karnataka and Kerala besides those governed by the BJP, on the ground that it affected the process of acquiring land for infrastructure projects.
They demanded “drastic changes” in certain provisions of the legislation, which the BJP-ruled States termed as a “political stunt” by UPA dispensation that enacted it “in a hurry” due to lok Sabha elections.
At a meeting convened by the Centre, the Revenue Ministers of the States including Haryana objected to provisions for mandatory consent of at least 70 per cent locals for acquiring land for public-private-partnership (PPP) projects and 80 per cent for acquiring land for private companies.
The States also opposed provisions for Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study, which is made mandatory in all land acquisitions, saying that it was “time consuming and leading to cost escalation in small projects”. They also called for amendments in the Act for a fixed time-frame for acquiring the land for the industrial projects.
later, talking to reporters after the meeting, Nitin Gadkari, who holds additional charge of the Rural Development Ministry, ruled out reports that the Government plans to dilute certain provisions of the Act to help the industry and asserted that all steps will be taken to protect the interests of farmers.
“As far as the interest of farmers is concerned, especially compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement, our party and Government have already decided we will not compromise any condition related with beneficiaries, particularly farmers. The BJP Government is committed to protect the interest of farmers,” he said.
Gadkari said that we have taken note of issues raised by States and will prepare a report which will be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 10 days for further action in the matter. If required we will go to the Cabinet and then to the Parliament, he added.
The meeting was held to thrash out issues related to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. Gadkari had earlier claimed that State Governments have voiced “reservations” over the adverse impacts of the Act against promoting industry and infrastructure.
Sources said Gujarat, Goa, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, all ruled by BJP, strongly criticised certain aspects of the Act and demanded relaxations
While Goa pointed out that the Act was brought in a hurry and there was a need for fast track acquisition, MP called it a “political stunt” and that even small projects were facing hurdles.
Assam said that it would provide barren land for industrial projects while newly-created State Telangana sought Rs 600 crore for carrying out land record survey in the State.
AIADMK-ruled Tamil Nadu, Samajwadi Party-ruled Uttar Pradesh and BJD-ruled Odisha also complained that land acquisition for industrial and infrastructure projects had been impacted severely due to it.
The conference was convened at the instance of the PM after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley briefed him about apprehensions aired at the recent State Finance Ministers’ conference.