Land Acquisition in India : A novel approach
Given the current confrontational mood between industry and agriculture in the matter of acquisition of scarce land for industrial development it is imperative that we look at totally new or untried models. But before we do so let us first define some boundary conditions -- the Lakshman Rekha -- that cannot be transgressed. No land must be taken by force even by invoking the principle of Eminent Domain by the State unless it is to be used for a clear public purpose. Land for industry does not fall into the category of public purpose. Land owners, farmers or otherwise, must be paid fair market rates and must be allowed to benefit from the appreciation of prices Industry must not be penalised by extortionary, black mail practices when they decide to move into a region and seek to acquire land for legitimate economic purposes. The role of the Government is to kept to a very minimum since there is no guarantee against a move by politicians and bureaucrats to bend rules and make m...