Dec 30 2014 : Mirror (Mumbai)
Govt approves ordinance on land acquisition, with changes
LAKSHMI IYER
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NEW DELHI
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The Narendra Modi Government on Monday approved an ordinance to amend the Land Acquisition Act, diluting what Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's had in mind for the bill. The incorporation of Clause 10(A) seeks to exempt five more areas from the prerequisites in the Act.It has also changed stipulations including securing consent of 80 per cent project-affected families in case of private companies, and consent of 70 per cent of such families in case of acquisition for public-private partnership. The new limit has been set at 50 per cent.
While making land acquisition easier, it also does away with the mandatory requirement for a social impact assessment and impact on food security. Though the government is yet to make details of its proposed ordinance public, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said the five areas to be exempted are land for defence purposes, rural infrastructure, affordable housing and housing projects for poor, industrial corridors and infrastructure or social infrastructure projects, including those public-private projects in which ownership will remain with the government.
He said the exemption will fasttrack acquisition for projects and bring in economic opportunities for those living in the area. Jaitley said compensation will remain high as per the Act, and rehabilitation and resettlement will be carried out.
While making land acquisition easier, it also does away with the mandatory requirement for a social impact assessment and impact on food security. Though the government is yet to make details of its proposed ordinance public, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said the five areas to be exempted are land for defence purposes, rural infrastructure, affordable housing and housing projects for poor, industrial corridors and infrastructure or social infrastructure projects, including those public-private projects in which ownership will remain with the government.
He said the exemption will fasttrack acquisition for projects and bring in economic opportunities for those living in the area. Jaitley said compensation will remain high as per the Act, and rehabilitation and resettlement will be carried out.
