Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), a powerful farmers’ body wielding considerable influence in western Uttar Pradesh, today welcomed the new land acquisition policy announced by the state government yesterday.
BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, who had been camping in the state capital since June 1 for the ‘kisan panchayat’ convened by chief minister Mayawati, said he was ‘quite satisfied’ with the new policy.
He further urged Mayawati to write to the prime minister to amend the archaic Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and formulate a fresh national policy in the interest of the country’s farmers.
Tikait said Uttar Pradesh had incorporated several of the farmers’ suggestions in its new policy, which were beneficial to farmers.
He specifically mentioned the provision, which allowed farmers to buy agricultural land equal in size to the acquisition without paying any stamp duty.
BKU further applauded the directive to district magistrates to convene a farmers’ meet on the 22nd of every month for settling their grievances under one roof and the decision to revoke cases against farmers lodged during their agitations on public issues.
BKU expressed gratitude towards the government for announcing 14 hours power supply to rural areas from July 1 and provision of short term agriculture loan at 4 per cent interest.
