Cong for comprehensive land acquisition policy

Congress asked the government to work out a comprehensive land policy and ensure sharing of profits by the displaced persons.

New Delhi: With land acquisition becoming a major bone of contention between owners and industry, the Congress on Monday asked the government to work out a comprehensive land policy and ensure sharing of profits by the displaced persons.

"The government (should) ... formulate a comprehensive land policy that will protect the interests of all stakeholders, especially the tribal communities, and give them a share of the profits of industries and businesses that use the land and its resources" said the economic resolution adopted by the Congress at 83rd plenary session of the party.

Noting that land acquisition issue has become a "major bone of contention" in recent years, the resolution also asked the government to expeditiously amend the `antiquated` Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

The Trinamool Congress, a key ally of Congress, however, had expressed its reservations on amendments to the Land Acquisition Act.
Problems with regard to land acquisition prompted Tatas to shift Nano project from West Bengal to Gujarat. Besides, mega projects of several other companies like Posco and Vedanta are facing problems relating to acquisition of land.

"Land is a vital and scarce resource that is required for economic growth and development," the resolution said, pointing out that the issue was adversely affecting growth.

Recalling that the Congress had advocated comprehensive land reforms raising the banner of land to the tiller, it said, "there are serious shortcomings in some aspects of land policy.
"Land records have not been updated or digitilised. Land use regulations and land allocation policies have tended to be opaque and discriminatory".

Moreover, it said, the land regulations have resulted in displacement of tribal communities.

Referring to the illegal mining, the resolution said these activities have "economic as well as national security implications."

The existing laws, it added, also were not adequate to address the environmental consequences of misuse of land.

PTI

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