News Round-Up

Gujarat government notifies the Mandal-Becharaji Special Investment Region development project

Frontline reported here that Modi’s government has sanctioned a massive project in the Mandal-Becharaji Special Investment Region (MBSIR)  to develop an industrial hub and urban centre covering over 50,884 hectares. Farmers in the region however, insist that the land allocated for the project, which is supposed to be located on wasteland, is very much fertile.

Forest Rights in Action?

EPW has come out with a detailed analysis on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act in Odisha. The study reveals how the the State's approach has led to several possible beneficiaries being excluded from the benefits under the Act. Inadequate awareness, the lack of guidance by the implementation agencies and the sidelining of tribal oriented provisions in favour of individual beneficiaries are cited as some of the constraints to the effective operation of the Act.

Parliament passes the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill

After the National Food Security Bill, the UPA quickly followed up with the passing the LARR. The Lok Sabha passed the bill on August 29th and the Rajya Sabha on September 4th. The Bill replaces the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 and promises to assure transparency in the process of land acquisition and provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation for land owners and others affected by acquisition of land.