States to have greater role in land acquisition: Sitharaman

The government on Monday allowed the land ordinance to lapse, ostensibly giving an impetus to the spirit of “competitive federalism”, wherein the States are encouraged to enact more liberal laws.

According to Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the government has allowed the ordinance to lapse not because of “popular pressure” as the Opposition is claiming, “But, because there is a more viable alternative – letting the States enact their own laws.”

On how it will impact the central projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the Minister said, “It is up to the States now. The more liberal they are the better will be their prospects of attracting projects and investments.”

The government spokesperson deflected criticism about the move being a setback to the reforms process, but the fact is that acquisition even under 13 central acts related to public purposes like building highways, railways and nuclear plants will follow the 2013 Act requiring Social Impact Assessment, consent and restrictions acquiring multi-cropped land.

“It is not a setback to the reforms process. In statecraft, you engage with all interested and concerned parties, there is a spirit of dialogue and negotiation. But if the Opposition is insistent on blocking a progressive legislation without raising any specific question or issue, all we can say is that we will find more viable alternatives for reforms and growth… Let the Congress, in all the States where it has a government, figure out how many industrialists are willing to set up shop when the process of acquisition takes 48 months,” she said.

While the Congress claimed political victory, the BJP and the government squarely blamed the principal opposition party for its “dangerous misinformation campaign” against the move to amend the 2013 Act. The government, however, strongly maintained that it would not be a setback to the reforms process.

“As of now, the 2013 Act is in force and all acquisitions will logically adhere to the spirit of this particular law,” said Rural Development Minister Birendra Singh.

The Congress, meanwhile, demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing in the Ordinance.

“Where was the concern for farmers in December when the ordinance was promulgated first? Cabinet ministers lied to the people that the Ordinance is being brought to accommodate the 13 Acts into it and now the Centre has done that through a notification. They had to budge because of the protests by Opposition,” said Anand Sharma, Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Rajya Sabha.

Farmers’ associations also claimed victory over the government’s decision.

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