Not making it 'prestige' issue: Jaitley on land ordinance

Varanasi, March 28

Even as it looked set to re-promulgate the Land Acquisition Ordinance, government on Saturday insisted that it was not making it a "prestige" issue and was willing to have a discussion with opposition parties to sort out differences.

"It is not a prestige issue for us...We need to change the law of 2013 for the development of the country, especially the villages," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here while replying to questions over the controversial Land Ordinance.

"We brought nine amendments to our original bill and are still willing to sit with opposition parties, who are objecting to the bill. If they have any suggestions that will be beneficial for the country, we are ready to discuss. The opposition should give up its adamant attitude. It will be good for the country," he said.

His comment came a day after the government decided to prorogue Rajya Sabha where the Land Acquisition Bill is stuck and re-promulgate the Ordinance, with the previous one set to lapse on April 5.

The Budget session of Parliament is currently on a month-long recess and will re-convene on April 20. Under the Constitution, at least one of the Houses has to be prorogued for the government to issue an Ordinance.

Justifying the need to amend the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, Jaitley said was a roadblock on the path of development as it did not give permission to acquire land for key infrastructure projects like PM Gram Sadak Yojana, irrigation yojana, rural electrification, housing-for-all as well as airports and seaports.

 The Finance Minister attacked Congress for only intending to stall NDA's policies without caring for the development of the country. He also accused the opposition is "misleading" public. 

Jat reservation being discussed

On reservation for Jats, Jaitley said Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised Jat leaders of finding a way within the law. After the Supreme Court recently scrapped the reservation, Jat leaders met Modi earlier this week to demand a solution. — PTI