Amit Shah forms panel to seek farmers' suggestions on Land Act

BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday formed an eight-member committee to seek farmers' suggestions on the proposed land acquisition legislation which has been stoutly opposed by several farmers' organisations.

The committee, of which former Union Minister Satyapal Malik is the convener, will hold discussions with farmers and other organisations on land acquisition. The Committee comprises seven party MPs, including Malik, and has a chartered accountant too.

The other members of the Committee are MPs Bhupender Yadav, Ram Narayan Dudi, Hukam Dev Narayan, Rakesh Singh, Sanjay Dhotre and Suresh Angadi, besides a chartered accountant Gopal Agarwal.

Several farmers' organisations have voiced serious concerns on the proposed amendments in the bill, fearing that it will be detrimental to farmers' interests.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has so far met with representatives of 27 such organisations and more meetings are slated.

Government is claiming that the amended bill to replace the land acquisition ordinance is "pro-farmer" but the opposition parties have termed it as "anti-farmer" and have opposed the move in both Houses of Parliament.