"We strongly back the new land bill which has been referred to the joint parliamentary committee. Its passage will benefit the tribal communities," Oram told reporters here.
Speaking after the inauguration of BJP ST Morcha's national executive here, both Oram and the Morcha's national president Faggan Singh Kulaste accused the opposition parties of trying to mislead the people about the land Bill and said it would not harm the tribals at all.
There were also provisions of providing jobs to one family member of the farmer along with their proper rehabilitation, he said, adding, the new bill would have provisions for land buyers who would be required to implement tribal-friendly clauses.
Stating that both the industry and tribals were dependent on each other, the Union Minister said tribals were not against development and the new land bill would play a significant role in balancing the interests of the both.
Under the old land acquisition act, land owners were not allowed to undertake agricultural activities once the area was declared coal bearing, he said.
Besides education and health facilities, tribals also want irrigation facilities, electricity, roads and other infrastructure for which land was required and the new bill would facilitate all such activities, Oram added.