PM calls for transparent land acquisition process

New Delhi, Jan 8 (ANI): Announcing that a new National Rehabilitation Policy will be finalised within the next three months, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said issues such as land acquisition and the rehabilitation of the displaced people should be addressed 'transparently' and 'effectively'.

"There is no reason why the spread of industrialization should be a contentious issue in our country. Issues such as land acquisition and displacement of people and their rehabilitation and resettlement should be transparently and effectively addressed," Dr. Singh said.

His remarks come amidst the ongoing protests by farmers in Nandigram and Singur-both in West Bengal- over the land acquisition process to set up industries.

Urging the business community of the country to be more socially responsible, Dr. Singh said, "Industrial development must not be a zero sum game. It need not, it can be a win-win process for all sections of society and we all must strive to make it happen.

"He also called for being sensitive to environment protection and conservation of valuable natural resources, and urged the Indian industry to become sensitive to the needs to empower the weaker sections of the society, particularly the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and minorities. ou must be sensitive to the urgent need to protect our environment and to prevent degradation of our land, water and air resources.

Amidst the accelerating growth and a buoyant market scenario, Dr. Singh stressed that the economy have to sustain a much higher rate of investment, controlled inflation, generation of more employment opportunities, impart a new element of dynamism to agriculture sector.