LAND ACQUISITION BILL 2015: Pros, cons and political opposition
The government has decided to introduce an ordinance to make major changes in the existing Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013. It is in many ways aimed to be a course correction after the Act passed by UPA was deemed as restrictive by industry bodies. But it has also increased apprehension that the poorest of the poor, who often cultivate lands but are not the owner, may be left high and dry with no compensation. Government’s ordinance has attracted major criticism from the opposition and Anna Hazare is currently holding a protest in Jantar Mantar against it.
Here are the pros and cons of the new Land Acquisition Bill-
Removal of consent clause and Social Impact Assessment
In the previous law, 80% consent of the landowners for private works and 70% for PPP (Public Private Partnership) was required which has been removed for 5 sectors. These are- national security, defense, rural infrastructure including electrification, industrial corridors and housing for the poor including PPP where ownership of land continues to be owned by the government. This even applies for fertile land.Pros or Advantages- It will promote development, faster development of rural infrastructure and generation of employment. According to the government, the consent clause is very dangerous to National Security. Just think of what the development of the 5 sectors mentioned above (national security, defence, rural infrastructure including electrification, industrial corridors and housing for the poor including PPP) can do the for the farmers and the poor.
Cons or Disadvantages- It will start a new cycle of acquisition of land without any consent or the approval of the landowners. Even the fertile land could be taken resulting in the non-production of any crop on the land.
Compensation and rehabilitation
The compensation given to the farmers remains the same as was in the previous act- 2 to 4 times of the price of the land, which is to be given by the state government. Also, the land would not be taken away before providing a land for the rehabilitation of the farmers.Pros or Advantages- It is a pro-farmer act, as said by the government and this proves it.
Cons or Disadvantages- The only disadvantage is that we live in India where the process is very slow and cumbersome. It will take years to provide compensation and rehabilitation to the farmers.
OPPOSITION OF THE ACT
Congress has strongly opposed the ordinance saying anybody who is pro-farmer should raise their voice against it. But according to an Indian Express report, Haryana and Kerala wanted to remove the consent clause for PPP or bring it up to 50%. States like Assam, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh felt that the definition of affected family is too broad.
On social impact assessment, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Manipur all demanded that the process be restricted to only large projects.
Other opposition parties like JD(U), Left and AAP have strongly expressed their reservation about the ordinance. So it will be an uphill task for government to pass it in Rajya Sabha where the government is in minority without Congress's help.
What are your views on this Land Acquisition Act? Is it pro development or against farmers? Comment your views
(Source of information: DNA’s website, written by CentreStage. I thank DNA for the information and we hope we do not require 70% consent for this! :D :P)
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