Bengal govt amends Land Reforms Act to boost investment

The Assembly today cleared an amendment to section 14Y of the West Bengal Land Reforms Act that would boost infrastructure investment in the state.
"West Bengal Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill 2014 will help finding several proposals see day of light," School Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said in a reply in the Assembly in the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee holding Land and Land Reforms portfolio.
The amendment brings in relaxation to infrastructure projects like transportation or terminal, township, logistics hub.
Moreover, the amendments also allows the government to extend the time frame offered under section 14M for land use by the investor by another two years over and above existing three years.

Section 14M allows relaxation from land ceiling of 24 acres under section 14Y.
Chatterjee replying to questions said the extension of two years is not blanket and it would be decided on a case by case basis.

The Opposition claimed that government failing to attract investment from industry in the state was promoting realty-related investment and also depriving farmers and small land losers of their land as government allows leasing of land by owners.
Chatterjee assured the opposition that investment will come in Bengal whatever hurdles may come in the way.
He said, "I am told by the land department officials, almost 99 per cent of land bank work is done."

With the 14Y amendment and land bank several projects which would be initiated will see day of light, Chatterjee told the members.