Question : REHABILITATION OF LANDLESS AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS



(a) whether the Government has received proposals from the States and the Union Territories for the rehabilitation of landless agricultural labourers; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SURYAKANTA PATIL)

(a) & (b) No such proposals have been received from the States and Union Territories for the rehabilitation of landless agricultural labourers. However, suitable amendments to the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and revision of the National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Project Affected Families, 2003 is under active consideration of the Government. Currently, the matter is being examined by a Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by the Cabinet Secretariat to finalize the drafts of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy and associated legislative measures in cases relating to land acquisition, for consideration of the Cabinet. In the draft R & R Policy, provisions have been made for rehabilitation and resettlement of persons affected by land acquisition and involuntarily displaced for any reasons, and special care has been taken for protecting the rights of, and ensuring affirmative State action for weaker segments of society, especially members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to create obligations on the State for their treatment with concern and sensitivity.