NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Monday okayed the Land Acquisition Bill clearing way for a more farmer- friendly policy by the Centre.
The Bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.
The Bill provides for compensation for displaced landless farmers on par with landowners and acquisition of farmers’ lands in accordance with the Tribal and Forest Dwellers Acts.
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi had, on August 25, led a group of MPs to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and presented to him a memorandum asking for introduction of the Bill.
The National Advisory Council (NAC), had on May 25, proposed a single comprehensive law which would discourage forced displacement and minimise adverse impacts on people, habitats, environment, food security and bio-diversity.
It had said the law should ensure that all possible options of more barren, less fertile and waste lands have been explored before acquiring agriculture land.
It should also comprehensively define project affected persons/families, and provide for a just, timely compensation, resettlement and rehabilitation package through a humane, participatory, informed, consultative and transparent process, allowing for effective and fair implementation.
The NAC had also proposed that compensation for those who lose land would be six times the registered sale deed value, including solatium. (UNI)
