Centre ignores her, stays firm on land procurement

Despite Mamata Banerjee’s strong reservations about land acquisition under the new national rehabilitation and resettlement (NPR) policy, the government seems to be firm on its plans. On Wednesday, urban development minister Jaipal Reddy reiterated the government’s stand that it would acquire 30% of the land while the private parties would be allowed to acquire the remaining 70%.

The Union railways minister is opposed to this 70:30 ratio and is of the view that the acquisition should be done mainly by private parties in the 90:10 ratio so that land owners can negotiate better deals for themselves.

Reddy said the acquisition will be as per policy and there will be no change as of now. The new NPR policy would be applicable to all kinds of displacement, including special economic zones and dam constructions, except for emergency acquisitions by the defence ministry for national security purpose. The bill is likely to be tabled in the coming parliament session.

The policy envisages full payment of compensation and adequate resettlement prior to ouster. Land acquired for public projects cannot be transferred for any other purpose without the consent of the oustees.