Land Bill: Farmers' bodies meet Centre, discuss grievances

Faridabad, Aug 22: Various farmers' unions put forward their suggestions and grievances regarding the controversial Land Bill in a meeting called by the Central government.

A meeting of all the Kisan unions was called by the Central government before the bill was presented in the Parliament, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) said in a press release here today.

Rishipal Ambavta, National President, BKU, said that unless the points protecting the interest of the farmers are included in the proposed Land Acquisition bill, the Kisan unions will not discontinue their protest.

Ambavta, explaining some of the points of disagreement, said that provision of waiver of loan against the farmers need to be incorporated in the bill, that may prevent them from committing suicides.

The farmers' body demanded that farmers still cultivating their lands should be given diesel on subsidized rates, i.e. Rs 15 per litre. We suggested that the old age pension should be Rs 2,000 per month across the country, he said.

In the event of the untimely death of a farmer, his family should get a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs, the release said. He further added that whichever political party agrees on these points, the BKU would be extending its support to the same.

The much-talked about Land Acquisition Bill was put off till the next session, after the recently concluded Monsoon session was washed out, due to continuous acrimony and disruptions in both the Houses.

In a climbdown, BJP has agreed to bring back the key provisions of UPA's land law including the ones on consent clause and social impact assessment and drop controversial amendments brought by the Narendra Modi government in December last year through an ordinance.

PTI