Land And Industry

Land is slowly becoming the most serious issue, which has already created serious law and order problems in various parts of the country in the past and can become much more explosive if not handled with sensitivity it deserves. No one can deny the fact that we need land for industry. However, the manner in which land has been acquired in the past raises serious concerns. It can drive lakhs of people to join Naxalites.

In Chhattisgarh, near Dantewara, Tatas wanted to set up a sponge iron plant. They wished to acquire land in ten villages. This is a PESA area and therefore, it is a legal requirement for the state government to consult local people. The Gram Sabhas of these villages met and refused to part with their land. When requested to reconsider, the Gram Sabhas came out with a list of 13 demands in lieu of land. These demands were very reasonable. Rather than accept those demands, the Government went ahead and forcibly acquired the land. There were rumours that these villages later joined Naxalites.

Shouldn’t the villagers have a right to directly negotiate with the industrialist the terms and conditions at which they would part with the land? They have every right to negotiate for a better future for themselves. And when they have the power to negotiate, the industry would automatically feel accountable to them and would respect the decisions of the Gram Sabha. It would then be more sensitive towards them and their demands. If industry provides benefits, which improve the condition of the people, that would clearly set a precedence both for the industry and villages. Today states vie with each other to invite industry. Then, the villages would vie with each other to invite industry. Industries may provide employment, better infrastructure in villages, commit to improve the environment, and other activities that help the community at large. If the industry violates any of the terms and conditions, the Gram Sabha shall have the authority to revoke the license of the industry. This way, the industry would always be accountable to the local villagers.

Right now, it is the state Government which decides whether to permit land acquisition or not and the associated terms and conditions. As a result, the industry feels itself accountable to the state level bureaucracy and its politicians. It does not feel any accountability towards local people. Decisions are made and land allocated without involving those directly affected in the process.