Blow for Modi as protests bury land reform

“Wait for next 48 hours”, Mr Jaitley told reporters when asked whether the government has take a decision with regard to repromulgating the ordinance which would otherwise lapse on August 31.

He said the ordinance brought by the NDA government lapsed on Monday and questions were being raised about the nature and future of land acquisition in India. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the country had lost eight months due to “politics of obstinacy, rigidity and non-engagement” by the Modi Government.

NEW DELHI-India’s prime minister said he wouldn’t renew a contentious executive order aimed at making it easier for the state to acquire land for infrastructure and industry-confirming a reversal on a measure his administration had touted as important for reviving the economy.

According to official sources, a statutory order issued by the government will ensure that farmers whose land are acquired under the 13 acts like the Land Acquisition (Mines) Act, 1885, the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, and the National Highways Act, 1956, get higher compensation.

The government has failed to pass the land acquisition bill in Parliament following sustained and concerted campaign against the legislation from the opposition parties as also some NDA allies.

The Commerce Minister also hoped that the states, which will not formulate land laws in tune with their needs, will take both-the interests of the farmers as well as industrial development.

“The (new) bill remains for consideration of the standing committee and if some consensus suggestions are made, the same would be implemented”. The Prime Minister convened a meeting of the chief ministers again under the aegis of the NITI Aayog wherein all of them were of the opinion that some flexibility should be given to the states if the stalemate at the Centre continues, the states should be empowered to bring their own amendments.

“The proposal for amendment in the Land Acquisition Act came from the states”. “With the prime minister stating that the ordinance is being withdrawn they (the Congress) don’t have an issue (to corner the government)”. This was the principal object of the Central government when the Ordinance to amend the Act was issued on December 31, 2014.

Also, he went a step further by listing compensation benefits in 13 other categories-an area that was left open for correction at a future date by the 2013 Act. Townships can not be completed within five years. They could, for instance, choose to tone down the consent clause, or do away with social impact assessment requirements depending on what is palatable to their respective assemblies.