Government urges opposition to back land act amendment

Hyderabad: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu Sunday appealed to all political parties to help pass the bill amending the Land Acquisition Act 2013 in the larger national interest.

He told reporters that the government was ready to consider and discuss any meaningful and constructive suggestions and if necessary, incorporate them. He said he held talks with leaders of various parties to seek their suggestions. "I hope that all political parties will think in the interest of the country, development and welfare of farmers," he said.

A bill seeking to replace the ordinance related to amending the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has already been introduced in Lok Sabha. This is one of the six ordinances to come up for discussion this week to convert them into legislations.

Naidu, who also holds the urban development portfolio, dismissed criticism by the opposition that the amendment was unilateral or anti-farmer and pointed out that it was drafted keeping in view the views expressed by the states. He said the states sought amendment to overcome the hurdles they are facing in acquiring land for development projects.

The minister claimed that the amendment is one of the measures being taken by the NDA government to boost the economic growth. Both the houses of parliament will take up six bills to replace the ordinances promulgated during the inter-session period.

In the Lok Sabha, two bills for replacement of ordinances viz., The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2014 have already been listed for consideration and passing. Statutory resolutions disapproving the respective ordinances will be also be taken up along with the bills.