Issue of Land Acquisition in India

Widespread agitations have been witnessed across the country against the process of acquiring land for establishing SEZs. In the absence of concrete measures for rehabilitation of displaced people, the future of most of the affected, especially of small farmers and dependents, remained uncertain. SEZs in this context had been seen as symbol of growth ridden with social and economic exclusion. It was promised by the government that ‘humane’ displacement for development of SEZs will be accompanied by the measures of relief and rehabilitations for the affected people. However, the historical evidences were contrary in this regard. Fecundity of the new law to address the concerns is still to be ascertained.