Lok Sabha okays land bill, opposition protests

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday finally passed the land acquisition bill, which is under attack from farmer and civil society activists, brushing aside protests by the opposition.

The proposed legislation removes the need for obtaining the consent of landowners and carrying out Social Economic Assessment (SIA) for acquiring land under certain categories.

The Right to Fair Compensation, Rehabilitation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2015, was passed after nine amendments brought by the government.

The bill will now be taken up by the Rajya Sabha where the Narendra Modi government is in a minority.

The Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Left walked out before the voting took place. The Biju Janata Dal, which withdrew amendments moved by it, also staged a walkout. - IANS