Centre told to change land acquisition laws

In its economic resolution passed at the party plenary here on Monday, the Congress emphasised that the government should enact the proposed comprehensive amendments to the antiquated Land Acquisition Act, 1894 at the earliest.

Noting that illegal mining has economic and security implications, the party said while formulating the proposed changes to the Act, the government should ensure that the interest of the tribals should be protected by giving them share in the profit of the industries.

The draft Land Acquisition Act proposed by the UPA government was hanging in balance as its major partner Trinamool Congress blocked it by insisting on incorporating the party’s views on it.

Mamata Banerjee wanted the government to totally give up its role in land acquisition for industry purposes but the UPA government was reluctant to do so.