Land Bill not prestige issue, says Jaitley

Varanasi, March 28: Even as it looked set to repromulgate the land acquisition ordinance, which lapses on April 5, the government on Saturday insisted that it was not making it a “prestige” issue and was willing to have a discussion with Opposition parties to sort out differences.

“It is not a prestige issue for us... We need to change the law of 2013 for the development of the country, especially the villages,” finance minister Arun Jaitley said.

Mr Jaitley’s remarks came as the Budget Session of the Rajya Sabha was cut short on Saturday with the House being prorogued to pave the way for re-promulgation of the ordinance.

“We brought nine amendments to our original Bill and are still will- ing to sit with Opposition parties who are objecting to the Bill. If they have any suggestions which would be beneficial for the country, we are ready to discuss... The Opposition should give up its adamant attitude. It will be good for the country,” Mr Jaitley said.

Justifying the need to amend the Land Act of 2013, Mr Jaitley said that the law is a “hindrance” in the path of development as it “does not give permission” to acquire land for key infrastructure projects like PM Gram Sadak Yojana, irrigation yojana, rural electrification, housing for all as well as airports and seaports.

Mr Jaitley attacked the Congress, alleging that its main objective is to stall the NDA’s policies and is not concerned about the development.

PTI Congress president Sonia Gandhi meets farmers who suffered losses due to unseasonal rains in Rae Bareli on Saturday. Sonia has also aggressively taken up the issue of farmers against the backdrop of Land Bill. —