GANDHINAGAR: In a significant development, the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has returned to the state government the Gujarat Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Laws (Amendment) Bill-2011 for various clarifications. Interestingly, the Bill was first passed by the Gujarat assembly when Modi himself was the Gujarat chief minister.

Earlier, when the UPA was in power at the Centre, the bill was returned by the President’s office also and even former Gujarat governor, Dr Kamla, had rejected it over technical issues. But the latest development, in which the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned it for clarifications, has shocked many in the state government.

Sources said the Gujarat government was not expecting this development as controversial bills like the one for Lokayukta Aayog were also approved by the central government after Modi became PM.

The bill was sent again in early November but the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has sent it back to the state government almost immediately on technical grounds. The Centre has asked for a number of clarifications before sending it for the President’s approval.

Sources said that the Gujarat Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Laws (Amendment) Bill-2011 was passed by the state legislature but after the then Governor of the state refused her consent, it was sent for the President consideration. It was first received in the MHA on May 26, 2011.

The bill was returned with comments from the Department of Legal Affairs and the same was again referred to the state government on November 20, 2014 for its clarifications and comments. The letter requests the state government to examine the bill in consultation with the concerned central ministries and departments, from three points of view: conflict with central laws; deviation from national or central policy; and legal and constitutional validity, said sources.

Gujarat has been pushing this Bill which promises to cut red tape for converting agricultural land to non-agricultural land so that projects of public interest can be facilitated. The state government intends to lift restriction on conversion of agriculture land to non-agriculture status mainly for health and education-related projects.

Earlier, former Gujarat Governor Dr Kamala had rejected this bill also over the issue of constitutional validity. Now Prime Minister Modi’s government too has returned it for clarifications before sending it for President’s approval.

