Everyone would agree with the argument of the government
that land is needed for development of nation but why to undermine rights of
someone to achieve the goal of development? Would it be in category of development
when thousands of people would be jobless, homeless and identity-less? For a farmer,
land is very important. I would not compare it with mother but it is important
for them as it has emotions value rather than just an economic commodity.
Government need to tread carefully as it would have long term consequence for
Indian society that in the process of complete change.
For any government it is not possible to come with a policy
that is welcomed by everyone in the system but It can come up with a policy that
is reasonable enough to communicate its right motives and does not compromise
with the rights of anyone without any provision to compensate for those.
"It is
natural in the process of development, rights and interests of a few would be
compromised and government is for making provisions for right kind of remedies."
In case of present Land Acquisition Bill,
government failed to perform on this account. It has faulty compensation rules;
there is lack of accountability by dropping the idea of social impact
assessment and misguided use of land. Idea of comprehensive Land Acquisition
Law is need of the hour but it must be inclusive of everyone in the chain as
the broken chains in the economic restructuring will end up rigging the whole
economic set up in a tone that USA and other developed countries are witnessing
today and people had to protest against the economic policy (remember OccupyWall Street Movement of 2011).
Policy level examples from other
countries do give some basic guidance about what to do and what not to but not
the complete guidance. Those need customization according to the needs the
particular country and in a country of farmers you simply cannot undermine the
rights of farmers. India obviously needs a right and comprehensive law
in place for the purpose of land acquisition to increase economic activities in
country but not a law like the proposed Land Acquisition Ordinance/Bill. It
must consider the rights of farmers. Some dilution is needed mainly relating
usages for industry, compensation and accountability. Government needs to
pro-development but neither pro-farmer nor pro-industry. And it is possible but
not being tough. Rather it has to listen to different stakeholders. But at the
same time the interest groups and opposition must be reasonable. They must accept
the fact that land is needed for the development and they must be ready to
offer their lands for the nation.
