Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, July 14: Finance Minister Pradip Kumar Amat who will attend the NITI Ayog meeting on behalf of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Delhi Wednesday said Tuesday the state government will raise the issue of protecting farmers’ interest, unemployment and industrial development if the land acquisition bill is brought for discussion.
The NITI Ayog meet is scheduled to be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi, where the controversial Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015 will be taken up for the discussion along with other issues.
When asked about the stand of the BJD government on the issue, the Minister said, “Prior to my visit I will have a discussion with the Chief Minster on the issue and accordingly we will place our views before Centre.”
Though Amat did not make his stand clear on whether BJD will support or oppose the bill, he said, “If the bill is placed for discussion, our demand will be an overall development of the state. We will ask the Centre to ensure protection of farmers’ interest, more opportunities for unemployed youths of the state and promotion of industry in the state under the bill, following which we will decide whether to support it or not.”
Earlier, the BJD had insisted on inclusion of land losers as shareholders in commercial projects. The party had also proposed four amendments to the proposed bill, sources said.
BJD MPs had staged a walkout during the voting on the bill in the Lok Sabha March 10. However, the Opposition parties including the Congress and CPI had dubbed the BJD move as a tacit support to the bill.