Rahul Gandhi's land gyan

The government should create an amicable mechanism for corporates acquiring land from farmers for big-ticket projects. It must understand that these projects—like Singur (scrapped two years ago), Niyamgiri and Yamuna Expressway—are key growth drivers for the Indian economy. At the same time, the government must ensure that the farmers rendered landless after acquisition by private companies are given their dues, both in letter and spirit. Notably, key policymakers of the government have completely endorsed Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's proposals to make the draft land acquisition Bill more effective so that it is well-received by both India Inc and the farmer community.

Gandhi has proposed to the PM that the Centre redraft its current land acquisition policy along the lines of what Haryana has done. As part of the proposed amendment, there could be a huge jump in compensation for farmers as compensation is revised in tune with prevailing market prices in respective areas. Gandhi has also proposed that the affected farmers should be given sweat equity, in the form of a 10% share of the developed land after project completion. Indeed, the proposals have stronger foundations than the rules embedded in the existing draft Bill. The new proposals seek land for land, whereas the current Bill has demanded farmers' shares in projects. The former suggestion is far better in the sense that farmers should hold instruments that they fully understand
Last but not the least, Gandhi has proposed that there should be a fresh definition for 'arable land'. According to Haryana's policy, arable land is land that is capable of growing at least two crops. If this clause is included in the Bill tabled in the Winter session of Parliament, corporates would be barred from touching arable land, no matter what compensation they offer.
Gandhi's focus is rightly placed. He is garnering people's support by pushing for a farmer-friendly land policy. He seems to be the flagbearer of a party that has realised that its roots lie among the people. This is not just an attempt at ensuring a secure future for farmers; it also aims at making farmers some kind of partners in prosperity that projects generate on their land, as farmers benefit from the appreciation that accrues to their land because of infrastructure development.