The recommendations made by Sonia Gandhi-led NAC will be accommodated in the government’s proposed Land Acquisition Amendment Bill. Union law and justice minister M. Veerappa Moily stated on Monday that the Land Acquisition Amendment Bill will include the recommendations made by the NAC. He stated that the
legislation will ensure that there are “no more Singurs” in the country once it is approved by Parliament.
“The recommendations of the NAC will be included in the land acquisition bill. There will be no more Singurs. The bill will support the aspirations of the people fully,” stated Dr Moily.
The bill will be vetted by the Union law ministry once its final draft is submitted by the rural development ministry. It is expected to be put before the Union Cabinet soon.
The National Advisory Council (NAC) has prescribed a seven-point test for a having a humane legislation on land acquisition and rehabilitation. In a recent letter to the government, the NAC suggested a check list of seven parameters which includes provisions for a rehabilitation package that is sensitive to the aspirations of the affected people.
The NAC’s checklist includes: Does it discourage forced displacement? Does it minimise adverse impacts on people, habitats, environment and biodiversity? Does it minimise adverse impacts on food security by actively discouraging acquisition of agricultural land, and promoting local economies? Does it comprehensively define project affected persons/families?
It also includes: Does it provide for a just compensation and rehabilitation package, sensitive to the aspirations, culture, community, natural resource base and skill base of the affected people? Does it ensure humane, participatory, informed, consultative and transparent process? Does it provide for effective implementation?