Land bill to be put in public domain; to consult with states, parties

In the backdrop of agitations against land acquisitions, the government has decided to hold consultations with states and political parties on the Land Acquisition Bill that is to be unveiled in a couple of days.

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh Thursday said he will travel to states for the consultations besides writing to the political parties seeking their views on the subject.

"The draft Bill will be made public in 36 hours... We will have a formal process of consultation. I will formally write to all the Chief Ministers with the draft, I will also try to meet as many CMs as possible," he said.

He said he had already started the process of informal consultations with the political parties and spoken to JD(U) Chief Sharad Yadav in this regard.

Ramesh said he will also be going to Kolkata to hold discussion with Trinamool Congress leaders.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had forced a put on the bill by leading anti-land acquisition movements in Singur and Nandigram a few years back.

"I am going to Kolkata very shortly. I have already spoken to D Bandopadhyay. We will have a formal process of consultation. Let the bill come out and we will see," he said.

Ramesh, apparently treading a cautious path in view of the recent agitations, said there will be a pre-legislative consultation before introducing the Bill in Parliament.

Asked if it would be introduced in the coming session of Parliament, he said, "Monsoon session would continue till September, so how can I say what will happen till September 8? Right now I am saying that the bill would be put in public domain."

One more chance would be given to everyone to discuss and hold arguments on the bill, he said.