The proposed LARR (Amendment) Bill 2015 tries to address concerns on retrospective application and return of unutilised land in equitable manner-Care

LAND ACQUISITION BILL-Care Ratings

For decades, India is termed as country with inadequate infrastructure, non-competitive manufacturing and one of the largest importers of defence equipment in the world. India's Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, with an intent to make India a manufacturing hub launched 'Make in India' campaign. Land being a scarce commodity remains the key to the government's thrust on various reform initiatives like infrastructure development (including rural infrastructure), domestic manufacturing, enhancing defence capabilities and providing affordable house to all etc.; hence, a well laid down and simplified policy and procedure for acquisition of land is desirable from view point of all the stake holders as delay in acquisition and resistance of land owners could become major deterrents for investment in core sectors of our economy.

The proposed Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR) (Amendment) Bill 2015 tries to address concerns on retrospective application and return of unutilised land in equitable manner. Another key take away from the proposed LARR Bill is inclusion of 13 legislations such as like the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, the National Highways Act, 1956, the Railways Act, 1989, etc. in its purview as previously there was no uniform policy of rehabilitation and resettlement under these 13 Acts. However, removal of consent clause and SIA requirement for five exempted categories is considered as anti-farmer clauses as it could lead to loss of transparency, simultaneously it would leave no option with land owner to put forward their interest.

The recent audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has pointed out various irregularities (as per LAA, 1894) in case of allotment and utilisation of land, compensation as well as rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected people after acquisition of land. Hence, now the onus is on the government to oversee that proposed amendments in LARR, 2013, serves its intended purpose and optimum utilisation of land resources happens on the ground level in a fair and transparent manner. In essence, the government has to strike a balance between growth and interest of land owners in order to serve the interest of the public at large.

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