THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the new policy for land acquisition for public purpose such as construction of roads, railway lines, water supply projects and setting up of companies.Revenue Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told reporters here that in view of large-scale agitations against land acquisition in various parts of the country, the government had announced that a new rehabilitation policy would be prepared under the 100-days programme. According to the new policy for rehabilitation, the affected parties must be convinced about the pros and cons of the project. A social impact study should be conducted to ascertain the impact of the project. First of all, the very public purpose of the land acquisition should be defined clearly. A state-level committee comprising the Chief Secretary at the helm, Revenue Secretary and the Secretary of the department concerned should examine the requirement of the land for each project, kind of land and alignment before starting the acquisition. Notification for land acquisition should be made only after completing these process. Urgency clause should be issued only during the emergency situation, the Revenue Minister said. The acquired land, if not utilised within 3 years, may be taken over by the government and utilised for other public purpose. Twenty-five per cent of the acquisition cost should be deposited in the account of the land acquisition officer before issuing notification.The building to be acquired will be priced without taking the depreciation into account. Those who lose houses and having an annual income below Rs 75,000, will be given three cents of land to construct house. The prospect of giving a job, which provides permanent income to at least one member of the family in the proposed project, will be considered. The house rent for at least six months has to be given to those who lose houses. The evictees having tenancy right for 3 years will be provided one-time relief, the Minister said.
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