The Bill provides for acquisition of 5% of multi-crop land in a district as a 'last resort', with the rider that an equal area of wasteland within the district will have to be developed. Earlier, rural development minister Jairam Ramesh had opposed acquisition of multi-crop land for industrial purposes.

While approving the rather diluted National Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill and its introduction in Parliament during the current monsoon session, the Union Cabinet on Monday decided to discuss the crucial issue at the National Development Council (NDC) meeting in October.

The growth of militant left radicalism, known as the Naxalite movement in official documents and civil society discussions, has acquired considerable prominence in the public policy discourse, media coverage and interaction with social scientists. The subject has also been deliberated upon in seminars across the country. The Government policy to deal with it has also polarised thinking on how it should be understood and characterised and what would be the most appropriate approach to neutralise its influence.

Draft land bill proposes higher compensation for land acquisitions, but complaints persist.

The West Bengal Government on Wednesday argued before the Calcutta High Court that payment of compensation and taking possession of land was not interlinked.

Industry has opposed the government idea of implementing the change in land acquisition norms on a retrospective basis. Also, it feels the absence of details in the (draft) Bill may trigger further litigation.

New Delhi The government has redefined public purpose in the new Land Acquisition Bill to allow companies developing townships and urban projects to be also included in the definition.

The West Bengal Government on Thursday told the Calcutta High Court that land acquired at Singur from Tata Motors would be utilised for socio-economic development.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday asked if it was possible to reach a compromise between the State Government and Tata Motors as the Singur Act was pertaining to a single company.

The West Bengal Government will commence its arguments opposing the petition filed by Tata Motors, beginning Wednesday.

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