Goa gets in-principle nod from PM Modi for enacting land law: Laxmikant Parsekar

PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted in-principle approval for Goa to enact its own land acquisition act which will emphasise on the right to "fair" compensation for those from whom land is acquired, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said here today.

"Modiji has in-principle given the green signal for the State Land Acquisition legislation. Though the official communication from Centre is awaited, we will begin groundwork to draft the legislation even before that," Parsekar told reporters.

The CM said that his government is "super-sensitive" towards land issues as Goa is a small state and has limited land resources.

"The proposed legislation will entirely focus on limited and important land acquisitions (and ensure) fair compensation and proper transparency in the acquisition process," he said.

The NDA-led government at the Centre has already allowed the land ordinance to lapse on August 31 after facing severe flak from opposition over some of its clauses.

During his recent visit, Union minister Nitin Gadkari had said that states are free to enact their land acquisition law.

As per the information tabled by state government during recently held session of Legislative Assembly, "Nearly 89 state projects, including tourism infrastructure, water augmentation, new bridges, garbage treatment sites, were kept on hold for over last one year due to hurdles in the land acquisition process."