Proposals of Working Group for Consideration of NAC-II: Suggestions for Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill 2009 and Resettlement and Rehabilitation Bill, 2009

Land acquisition and involuntary displacement continue to result in great distress and resistance – and often violence – in many parts of the country. NAC-I had reflected carefully on these issues, and made detailed suggestions for these proposed legislations. A few of its suggestions were incorporated, but what is now being considered by the Government of India falls short of these recommendations on many grounds. There is also new experience and understanding developed since that time, as also interesting new innovations made by some state governments, from which the national policy and law can learn and benefit. NAC-II therefore feels that it is important that these proposed statutes are reviewed once again with a view to making these more just and humane, and to ensure that the processes of acquisition and involuntary displacement are more transparent and fair, and those affected by the development projects are made partners in development. This note summarises the major amendments proposed by the Working Group of NAC-II to advance these goals, for recommendation to Government of India. It also takes note under each point, relevant points of divergence or convergence with the Government of India draft statutes, and views of officials and activists with whom we consulted. URL: [http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Land%20Acquisition/nac%20land%20acquisition%20discussion%20paper.pdf].