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The Cabinet has given its ‘post facto’ approval to 9 amendments made in the Land Bill during its consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha earlier this month. The Lok Sabha approved the amended Bill which is now pending in the Rajya Sabha.
But, a final call on fate of the Ordinance will be taken by the Cabinet subsequently, according to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday. The Ordinance is set to lapse on April 5 as first leg of the Budget session of Parliament failed to approve the legislation.
The Government is expected to push the Bill in the Rajya Sabha during second phase of the budget session starting April 20.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Rural Development Minister Rao Birendra Singh tried to curb speculation that the Government will let the Ordinance lapse. Opposition parties and even some allies are trying to block the passage of Land Bill. The Government is in minority in the Rajya Sabha which will make the passage difficult. If the Ordinance lapses, farmers will not get enhanced compensation for their land acquired especially for 18 exempted sectors such as metro projects. The Government can recommend re- promulgation of the Ordinance to the President, but that can be done even if one of the two houses of Parliament is prorogued (formal end of the Budget session).
In another event, Naidu said, “I have seen in certain quarters today that Land Acquisition Ordinance may be allowed to lapse. These are speculations. Government has not taken any such decision to allow Land Acquisition Ordinance to lapse.” He also mentioned that whatever is needed to be done will be done by the Government at an appropriate time.
According to reports from Chandigarh, Union Rural Development Minister said the Government is likely to make another effort for a consensus on the Land Bill with opposition parties and might re promulgate the ordinance.
“We are thinking of making one more attempt and talk to other political parties so that we may have a consensus. As everyone is aware Land Acquisition Ordinance will expire on April 5, may be we will have to issue re-ordinance,” he was quoted as saying.
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