The Centre is likely to adopt the now-famous Haryana model for recompensing displaced people whose land is acquired for big industrial projects. There will be amendments to the Land Acquisition Bill for providing an annuity to be paid to land owners as part of the compensation package.
Top sources in the rural development ministry confirmed to FE that a decision has been taken on the matter by the ministry and Planning Commission.
?The ministry is ready to add these amendments, we are just waiting for a political decision to be arrived at,? said a source. Sources also said the annuity could be Rs 15,000 per year for 33 years for land acquired for government projects and Rs 30,000 per year for 33 years for private projects. In projects by private parties, an increase of Rs 1,000 per year for 33 years has also been added.
The government is of the view that the annuity component to compensation packages is a practical look on the whole issue of livelihood of those whose land has been acquired. ?At least some income will be forthcoming every year for land owners apart from a lump sum payment when the deal is struck,? said a source in the Planning Commission.
This is almost a replica of the existing compensation policies of the Haryana government. What is also propelling these amendments of course is the political compulsions arising out of Uttar Pradesh where chief minister Mayawati has been prompt in adding a similar provision to the state?s land acquisition policy.
After a group of farmers in Aligarh protested land acquisition at what they termed as low rates, Mayawati has added a proviso that an annuity of Rs 20,000 per year be paid every year.
The Congress-led UPA government is keen to assert ownership over this idea and therefore it is the Haryana model, ruled currently by the Congress which is to be emulated. In the battle for the hearts and minds of rural Uttar Pradesh, this is the Congress? answer to Mayawati.