Government may bring Land Acquisition Bill in current session

NEW DELHI: The much-awaited Land Acquisition Bill, aimed at protecting the interests of farmers, is likely to be introduced in Parliament during the current Monsoon session, the government said on Thursday.

"The Bill is in public domain to get suggestions and comments. I am in touch with the chief ministers of states and also leaders of political parties... Hopefully we will bring the bill in this session only," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said in Lok Sabha.

He said during Question Hour that there is a dilemma whether to implement the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill retrospectively or from prospective date.

"Normally this is implemented from prospective date...I have received some suggestions saying it should be done retrospectively with cut-off date. We will consider all suggestions before taking a decision," he said.

Replying to a volley of supplementaries, the minister said the bill will not only protect the interests of farmers and owners of the land but also those whose livelihood is dependent on this land.

The bill, however, does not stop private parties from buying land for private purposes.

On the controversy over acquiring land for public purpose but diverted for others, Ramesh said "...public purpose is very broad. In my opinion public purpose is development of infrastructure, railways, roads and highways and not malls and shopping complexes."