Industry leaders oppose proposed land acquisition law

They said both the private sector and the government projects would face difficulties if the proposed land acquisition bill is passed. They also sought amendments to many provisions of the proposed legislation. The proposed bill calls for a purchase price several times higher than the current market rate and making buyers responsible for rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced,including giving them a share of equity or jobs for 26 years.

“We believe it is not fair. If there is forcible land acquisition,it should be difficult and expensive,” Hirco Group’s Priya Hiranandani-Vandrevala said. She said it is unfair that the same provisions on pricing and rehabilitation should apply when land is sold voluntarily.

The proposed Land Acquisition,Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill 2011 would apply if more than 50 acres of urban land or 100 acres of rural land is being acquired. Hindustan Construction Company’s chief Ajit Gulabchand criticized the proposal requiring consent of 80 per cent of those likely to be affected,before the purchase takes place.

The land ownership is so fragmented and titles so unclear that this provision can extend the process of land purchase indefinitely,he added.