JPC to begin clause-by-clause consideration

The controversial land Acquisition Bill may be taken up for a clause-by-clause consideration by the members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee from July 22 after the Government concludes its replies to the member of the panel. Committee Chairman SS Ahulwalia is to move a motion in lok Sabha during the Monsoon session, beginning on July 21, for the extension of its term by a week. 

Members at Monday’s meeting decided that if the Government is able to reply to their queries on July 16, the panel could take up clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill from July 22.The committee has set the schedule for summoning secretaries of Ministries concerned on July 16 to listen to their views of the amendments to the 2013 Act. The secretaries from legal Affairs, legislative Department, Rural Development and Commerce Ministries, and top officials from Railways are likely to appear before the committee.

Between July 16 and 18, members would also get notices to move their amendments to the Bill.The panel, which had sought an extension of one week, has now been given time till July 28 -- first day of second week of Monsoon session beginning on July 21 — to complete its task.The Panel will present a Bill in Parliament based on the amendments moved by members as well as the Government.

Once the amendments have been moved, they would be discussed on a clause-by-clause basis. If there is a unanimity, the Bill will be adopted. Otherwise, there could also be a vote on the amendments. The Committee will then table the Bill — as reported by it —in both Houses of Parliament.Most of the organisations and individuals who presented their views before the committee have opposed non-inclusion of consent and Social Impact Assessment clauses in the Bill. RSS outfits have also sought that consent of farmers be made mandatory in all kinds of land acquisitions.