Govt. proposes nine changes in land acquisition amendment bill

The bill, which was discussed in the Raya Sabha on Monday, will be put to vote in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.It was introduced in December, 2014 in the form of an ordinance and now needs the approval of parliament.

The entire opposition has been up in arms against the amendment bill, pledging to fight tooth and nail against its legislation. They described the bill as  "anti-farmer and pro-corporate." Key BJP allies in the NDA, like the Akali Dal also expressed their displeasure over the provisions in the bill.

Reports said the changes that the government has proposed seek to incorporate those suggested by other parties. Among them are amendments to ensure a better
mechanism for the redressal of grievances of those whose land is acquired.

Among the proposed changes is removal of social infrastructure projects from a list of categories to be exempted from requiring the consent of 70 per cent farmers in an area where land is to be acquired. The current law requires that consent for all projects.

As the Opposition and government allies objected to the move to scrap the social impact assessment clause, mandatory in the current law, the government has also agreed to reinstate a social impact assessment only for social infrastructure projects.

Despite having adequate strength in the lower house, the BJP-led NDA government is in the minority in the Rajya Sabha where it finds tough to ensure a safe passage for the bill.

While the Congress, which was instrumental in bringing the land law during the UPA regime in 2013 is staunchly opposed to bringing any amendment to it, the government has taken into confidence several other parties to seek their support.

The government says the proposed amendments will ensure land for projects as well as protect the  rights of farmers.