Govt does u-turn on land bill, withdraws changes

In a surprise move the NDA-led government is likely to withdraw  all the amendments it had made to the law passed in 2013 by the previous Congress-led government. That move  is based on the recommendations of  parliamentary committee which studied the proposal.

After much protest over the controversial bill, it is believed that the government has accepted most of the clauses demanded by the Congress party. However, the government would debate relating retrospective, land return, review clauses.

The Joint Committee of Parliament examining the land acquisition bill had earlier on Monday got an extension of four more days to submit its report on the controversial legislation.

Six of the amendments were discussed on Monday on which there was a consensus.

Out of the total 15 amendments in the NDA bill, nine were substantial in nature that have been opposed by Congress and a number of opposition parties

Though the new land acquisition bill cleared the Lok Sabha in March, where the government has a huge majority, it remains wedged in the Rajya Sabha.