Indian gov't to allow land acquisition bill to lapse, says PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said his government would allow the controversial land acquisition bill to lapse because of the opposition it faced.

The land acquisition bill was passed by the Indian government through an ordinance. But it will lapse Monday as it has not been approved by the Parliament because of stiff opposition from other political parties.

"Tomorrow (Monday) the land bill will lapse and I have agreed to it. Due to the problems, the ordinance also has been affected," Modi said in his monthly radio address to the nation.

He added: "The government will not promulgate the land ordinance, but will include 13 points to reform the land acquisition law to benefit farmers."

"These 13 points, which were meant to provide direct financial benefit to the farmers, are being brought under the rules effective from today (Sunday) so that the farmers do not face financial losses," the Prime Minister said.

He also slammed the main opposition Congress party for misleading the farmers about the land acquisition bill.

"Rumors have been spread about land acquisition bill, which has scared the farmers. We do not want that. The government is open to any suggestion in the interest of farmers," he said. Endi