Centre planning to set up land bank: Khattar

The central government is mulling setting up a land bank to facilitate and pace up social and economic development, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said today.
"The Centre is planning to set up a land bank to facilitate and pace up social and economic development.
"Consent of the farmers and evaluation of social impact would be essential prerequisites for the acquisition of land of farmers for which they would be paid maximum compensation under the 13 Acts of the central government," Khattar said in a statement here.
Also, in case any landowner wanted to sell their land, the government would acquire it, he said.

"If land is required for any project, the government would put up advertisements in this regard in newspapers and thereafter the process would be initiated for its purchase with the consent of the owner," he added.
In case the land is divided into pieces, the government may amend the Consolidation Act to consolidate it at one place.

Lauding Prime Minister's decision not to repromulgate the Land Ordinance, Khattar said this reflected the Centre's pro-farmer stance, faith in democracy and concern for the development of the country.
The Land Acquisition Bill, introduced by the central government, was very much in the interest of the farmers, but the opposition parties had instilled fear in the minds and hearts of the farmers, he claimed.

"The decision taken by the Prime Minister not to continue with the Bill is laudable, and underscores the fact that he is wedded to the welfare and wellbeing of farmers," he said.
Referring to the steps taken by the Haryana government for the welfare of farmers, the Chief Minister said that the previous government had initiated the process to acquire 3,664 acres and four kanals of land in 16 villages of Rewari district for the Manesar-Bawal Industrial Area and Logistic Hub. But after the farmers protested, the present government cancelled the acquisition of land, he said.
"This was the only decision taken by any state government under which land was freed from acquisition process and returned to the farmers," he added.