The Land Acquisition Bill, which was cleared by a Group of Ministers earlier this month, is likely to be placed before the Cabinet on November 15, according to Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh.

In a move to appease the people giving up land, who were unhappy with the soft draft of The Right to Fair Compensation, Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Bill, the consent clause has been strengthened a bit.

In the latest change made by the Ministerial panel, 80 per cent consent would be required from land owners if the Government acquires land for a private project for public purpose.

Reportedly, these changes follow recommendations made by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi who sought to raise the consent required for private purchase to the earlier level of 80 per cent from 67 per cent proposed by the GoM earlier.

The consent clause has been a point of contention since the beginning, as a few Ministers protested against a stringent requirement of 80 per cent approval from land owners, which was also a part of the original draft, fearing dampening of investor sentiments.

However, where land is acquired for public-private-partnership projects, the consent required remains at 66 per cent or two-thirds.

Ramesh said that a revised note with the changes will be circulated to all 14 members of the GoM, who are expected to respond early next week.

Without giving details, he added that some provisions have been made for a cut-off date, to ensure a swift transition from the old Land Acquisition Act, 1894 to the new Bill.

>aesha.datta@thehindu.co.in

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