Addressing a joint session of Parliament, President Pranab Mukherjee justified the changes made in the Land Act and said that the Central government attaches paramount importance to safeguarding the interests of farmers and families affected by any land acquisition. 

The Land Ordinance is facing stiff resistance from the Opposition, which is rallying behind the protests being organised by social activists such as Anna Hazare and Medha Patkar.

While all non-NDA parties have decided to put up a joint strategy against the proposed amendments to the Bill, Hazare will participate in farmers’ protests organised by Left parties and the National Alliance for People’s Movements.

Keeping the growing protests in mind, President Mukherjee called for smooth functioning of both the Houses.

The President’s address traditionally takes place before the start of the first parliamentary session of the year, in which he outlines the government’s plans.

‘Protecting farmer interests’ “While taking utmost care to protect the interests of farmers, including their compensation entitlements, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act has been suitably refined to minimise certain procedural difficulties in acquisition of land inevitably required for critical public projects,” he said.

These projects could be for infrastructure or for the creation of basic amenities such as rural housing, schools and hospitals, particularly in remote areas, said Mukherjee.

The Modi Government made changes in the Land Act enacted by the erstwhile United Progressive Alliance Government through an ordinance promulgated on December 29, 2014.

These changes include bringing acts applicable for national highways, metro rail, atomic energy and electricity-related projects, among others, under the new law for compensation and rehabilitation & resettlement. Similarly, acquisition of land for defence and defence production, infrastructure, affordable housing and industrial corridors was fast tracked.

The Bill to replace the Ordinance is scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Sensing the trouble ahead, the President said that the Centre would constantly endeavour for smooth conduct of progressive legislation in Parliament, reflecting the will and aspirations of the people.

“I urge all members of Parliament to discharge their solemn responsibility in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation,” he said.

Earlier, echoing the same sentiment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed confidence that the Budget Session would proceed in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation.

“Every subject should be discussed in detail. We hope that there will be a positive outcome of this debate that will help the poorest of the poor,” he said, addressing media-persons outside Parliament House.

Noting that this is the first occasion for his Government to present a full-term budget, Modi said the session is beginning with a commitment that there will be dialogue and thorough discussion on every issue.

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