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The ruling NDA government’s commitment to pass the Land Bill in parliament is being welcomed by the industrial groups and federations in India. The Narendra Modi government has altered some important provisions from their drafted bill after receiving criticism and pro-corporate tag.

The crucial bill was easily passed by the Lok sabha as expected before, since the NDA is having complete majority in the lower house of the parliament.

According to CII and other business houses, the bill if made into an act after clearing in both the houses, can ensure employment and positive growth in Indian economy.

"The amended Land Bill, if approved in the Rajya Sabha, would be a major boon to the infrastructure goals of the nation. This will accelerate economic growth, create millions of new jobs and improve living standards of every Indian," CII President Designate Sumit Mazumder said.

The government has made 9 amendments to the drafted version in consideration of the weaker share in upper house of the parliament. The modifications can address the concerns of all stakeholders, especially the land owners.

The nine amendments to the drafted bill include limiting the industrial corridor to one kilometre on both the sides of the highways and railway lines, compulsory employment to one member of the affected family of agricultural labourers, hearing and redressal of grievances at the district level and acquisition of bare minimum of land for projects. The clause of "social infrastructure" projects has been dropped, after the opposition’s note of fear that private individuals and business tycoons may use such facility to open colleges and hospitals of corporate nature aimed at revenue generation.

We have to see how the NDA can pass the real test in Rajya Sabha, where NDA is having only 62 members. The opposition parties may not extend their support calling it an anti-farmer move by the government.

-Kannamsai