Land Acquisition Act - Cong protest

Land Acquisition Act - Cong protest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 12, 2015: Dakshin Kannada District Congress Committee protested against the Centre’s move for passing the controversial amendment ’Right to Fair Compensation & Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Act 2013’, brought in by government through an ordinance. 

Addressing the protesters in front of DC’s office on March 11, MLC Ivan D’Souza said the amendments were against the interests of farmers. The previous UPA government had brought in an Act to acquire land with the consent of farmers and pay them fair compensation.  Now, the BJP government had brought in amendments to the provisions through an ordinance, without allowing any debate in Parliament,  discussions on the amendment in the Lok Sabha are needed. 

The MLC said, "Farmers across the country must raise their voice against the amendments." By amending the Act, unilaterally the government message is "it is a government for the corporates and industrialists. The amendment should be withdrawn," "The Centre has forcibly brought the ordinance on land acquisition act. The Congress will fight against the injustice," he said.

MLA J R Lobo said the BJP government’s decision to amend the provisions of Land Acquisition Act through an ordinance will lead to forcible land acquisition and diversion of land.  The previous Congress government had passed the Act after incorporating amendments suggested by BJP leaders. The amendment now is anti- farmer.  District-in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai said "The country needs a clean mind before talking about Swaccha Bharath."