The UPA government is aggresively pursuing its flagship housing project for slum dwellers, the Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY), to bring in the second phase of urban reforms.

The Centre is holding talks with state governments and seeking their cooperation to roll out the project that promises a slum-free India in the next five years.

Proposes that the percentage of land to be acquired by state agencies should be decided by their governments.

The modified Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill is likely to suggest giving state governments the power to determine their roles in acquiring land for industry.

Also, in a positive for farmers, the Bill proposes that if the land remains unused for five years, it should be automaticall