Consent clause a hurdle: Industry

“The whole issue is about consent and I feel that it is a non-starter. There is no issue with giving higher compensation to farmers but it is practically impossible to get all people on board for consent when a company is looking to set up an industry,” said Virendra D Mhaiskar, chairman and MD, IRB Infrastructure.

“While one may take a moral high ground and say that he is fine with ‘consent’, it is important to see if that higher position helps us proceed ahead practically on ground,” said Mhaiskar, adding that no project will take off if it is part of the Act.

Vinayak Chatterjee, chairman of Feedback Ventures, called for moves that would not stall projects. “Some of the provisions in the land bill posed a difficulty in getting projects going on the ground and led to representations from both PSUs and the private sector. I am of the view that broadening the definition of public projects to include infrastructure and PPP will make it easier for economic growth. It removes two clauses — social assessment and consent and keeps R&R and compensation intact,” said Chatterjee.

“A fine balance is required and a way has to be devised that allows growth and also takes into account the concerns of land owners,” said Navin Raheja, chairman, National Real Estate Development Council.