Rajasthan Government Revises Stance on Land Revenue Amendment Bill, Refers It to Select Committee
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Synopsis
In a surprising development, the Rajasthan Government has shifted its approach on the Land Revenue Amendment Bill, sending it to the Select Committee right before it was about to be approved. This decision follows a heated debate and protests from opposition members.
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan government referred the Land Revenue Bill to the Select Committee.
- Opposition leaders demanded public consultation on the bill.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister criticized the Congress for leaving the House.
- Previous bills have also faced similar scrutiny and referral.
- Concerns raised by both Congress and BJP legislators regarding the bill’s provisions.
Jaipur, March 21 (NationPress) In a surprising turn of events, the Rajasthan government on Friday redirected the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Amendment and Validation) Bill to the Select Committee of the Assembly, just moments before it was anticipated to be approved following a debate in the House.
After wrapping up the debate, Revenue Minister Hemant Meena suggested the bill be sent to the Select Committee, a motion that received approval through a voice vote. Nonetheless, Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully insisted on a division vote, arguing that the bill should undergo public consultation instead of being directed to the Select Committee.
The Speaker, however, rejected this request, leading to a walkout by Congress MLAs in protest.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel commented that Congress members exited the House intentionally to evade a discussion on urgent matters.
This marks the second occasion within a week where a bill has been referred to the Select Committee.
Previously, the Ground Water Authority Bill, which includes provisions for imposing fees on groundwater extraction, was also sent to the committee. Now, the Land Revenue Amendment Bill follows suit.
The bill has encountered opposition from both Congress and certain BJP legislators. Congress MLA Harimohan Sharma claimed that some leaders were trying to exploit the bill for personal gain.
BJP MLA Anita Bhadel also raised objections to significant provisions, contending that empowering RIICO (Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation) to modify land use was unwarranted. She further criticized the bill’s retrospective enforcement.
Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati shared these concerns, opposing the suggested amendments.
The bill proposed, "Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, for the time being in force, the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO) shall exercise all the powers concerning industrial areas owned by it, regarding the development of industrial zones, preparation and modification of layout plans, subdivision and merger of land plots, land disposal, specifications, and alteration of land use, granting permissions, approvals, and other actions necessary for executing its functions in such industrial areas in the manner prescribed by the State Government."
