Goa's draft land acquisition policy seeks better compensation

Against the backdrop of farmers protesting land acquisition at Noida and Agra, Goa's state law commission today announced a draft land acquisition policy, which recommends better compensation for the land-owners.     The report, submitted by commission's chairman Ramakant Khalap to the government today, also says the state should have a proper resettlement and rehabilitation policy, if acquisition is on a big scale, as for an airport, or an industrial estate.     If the suggestions are accepted, there would be no occasion for agitations and "people may voluntarily come forward to offer lands for public purposes", Khalap said.     The proposed resettlement and rehabilitation policy states "compensation (paid to the land-holder) should not be less than the minimum rates notified by the government".     When large tracts of lands are acquired, "farmers should be paid adequate annuity for a considerable period," it adds.     Khalap said a reconsideration of the existing policy was warranted as there was "dissatisfaction and consternation" in the minds of the affected people, due to inadequate compensation and absence of any rehabilitation policy.     The law commission has also recommended the state government publish every year the minimum market prices of lands in different parts of Goa and these prices should be binding upon the collector while determining compensation.