The government was today questioned in the Lok Sabha on the fate of Land Acquisition Bill, with members saying it was urgently required to address problems being faced by farmers.
The issue was raised during zero hour by the JD(S) chief, Mr H.D. Deve Gowda, who said that the Leader of the House, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, had promised to bring the Bill.
“But we have not heard about it... What is the mind of the government... When are you bringing the comprehensive Land Acquisition Bill?” he asked.
He said the Bill was necessary to put an end to illegal real estate business, which was hurting the farmers.
Citing the case of Bangalore and Mysore, Mr Deve Gowda said thousands of acres of farming land had been sold off and he expressed readiness to face punishment if his contention was wrong.
He was supported by the JD(U) leader, Mr Sharad Yadav, who said the issue was raised during the last Parliament session also.
“The Land Acquisition Bill did not come although it was promised during the last session... However, the government is indulging in the drama of raising minimum support price (for farm produce),” Mr Yadav said.
Talking about MSP, he said it amounted to deceiving the country as the MSP promised did not reflect the reality in terms of procurement price.
The Congress member, Mr P.L. Punia, raised the issue of reservation in judiciary, saying 16 out of 18 High Courts did not implement it. He said the judiciary should also follow the reservation policy.
Mr M.I. Shahnavas (Cong) said nurses were facing exploitation in private hospitals as their certificates were kept by the authorities and paid low wages. He said a committee should be formed to look into the matter.