Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today expressed confidence that the amended Land Acquisition Bill will be passed by the Rajya Sabha this week.

He said two others bills, the Coal Bill and the Mines, are also likely to be passed by the Upper House next week.

“I hope that next week in Parliament (next five days) will be very fruitful. We have accepted all suggestions of various parties. Wisdom will prevail. All the Bills (that are pending) which are necessary for the development of the country will be passed this week,” Javadekar told reporters here.

He said the proposed Land Acquisition Bill has been debated well and hoped that the amendments will be satisfactory.

The Bill tabled in the Parliament, had last month faced stiff resistance from the Opposition and the BJP’s own allies, who termed it as “anti-farmer” and saw protests from all corners.

Last week, on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Bill with a total of nine amendments.

“There was much debate on the Land Acquisition Bill. Already, after nine amendments (in Land Acquisition Bill) I hope the concerns of farmers have been taken care of. The amendments have been (made) to dispel doubts in anybody’s mind and there will be no scope for any doubt. I hope the Rajya Sabha will also pass the Bill as amended in the Lok Sabha,” Javadekar said.

“The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill and the Mines and Minerals Bill have gone to the Select Committees which will submit their final reports on March 18, and I am sure on March 19 both the Bills will be passed by the Rajya Sabha,” he said.

“We hope that all parties have realised that coal and mineral auction is the best way forward. There is 100 per cent transparency and no scope for corruption in auction.

“We are in constant touch with the Opposition parties, including Congress, and are hopeful that Land Acquisition Bill will come before Rajya Sabha and things will get sorted out,” Javadekar added.

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