Amendments to Jharkhand land acts historic, says Governor

Jharkhand Governor Draupdi Murmu on Tuesday termed as historic the amendments to the state's two key land acts, carried out in the assembly amid ruckus and by voice vote in the winter session, but the protesting opposition Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) walked out of the assembly.

With Governor Murmu's address, which enumerated the Raghubar Das-led state government's achievements, the assembly began its budget session on Tuesday.

Addressing the house, she said: "In the last one year, various pro-people decisions have been taken by the state government, including the amendments to the Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949, which are historical and would have a long-term impact."

The Governor's address, however, invited sharp reaction from the opposition parties.

The JMM and other opposition parties tried to disrupt the address by simultaneously raising various issues.

Some of the JMM legislators stood up at their seats and started shouting slogans against the government-ushered changes in the two land acts.

The amendments do away with restrictions on acquisition of agricultural lands, imposed way back when the two legislations were enacted. The changes would facilitate development and infrastructure, the Bharatiya Janata Party government has insisted.

Later, the JMM legislators walked out from the house.

--IANS

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