Congress Alleges Modi Government Undermining Land Acquisition Act to Harm Farmers

The Congress party has recently levelled serious accusations against the central government, claiming a systematic effort to undermine the land acquisition act since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, conveyed these allegations through a video message, asserting that BJP-governed states have been bypassing the law's stipulations, thereby compromising farmers' rights and entitlements.

Ramesh criticized the Modi administration for not adhering to the prescribed compensation rates for land acquisition as mandated by the law. He reminisced about September 2013, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's leadership, when a "progressive and historic" bill was introduced. This legislation aimed to overhaul the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, significantly increasing compensation for land acquired in rural and urban areas by four and two times, respectively.

Furthermore, Ramesh highlighted key provisions of the 2013 law, including mandatory consent from farmers before acquisition, a clause for retrospective effect, and a stipulation for returning unused land to farmers within five years. He emphasized the protection offered to multi-crop land under the law, considering its importance for the country's food security.

Despite these measures, Ramesh accused the current government of diluting these protections since 2014. He alleged that not only has compensation been inadequate but also that acquired land often remains unused or is used for purposes other than those stated at the time of acquisition. According to Ramesh, this deviation from the law's intent squarely places the blame on the Modi government for weakening the legislation and neglecting its critical clauses.

In his message, Ramesh presented his arguments as factual insights into the changes affecting the land acquisition act post-2014. He portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions as directly opposing farmer interests, thereby challenging the government's commitment to agricultural and rural welfare.

This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between the Congress party and the central government over agricultural policies and land use regulations. As debates continue, the focus remains on ensuring fair compensation and legal protections for farmers amidst evolving economic and developmental priorities.