**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Town and Country Planning Amendment Bill Passed**
The Town and Country Planning Amendment Bill was passed by the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Monday. The bill, tabled by Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, was approved after detailed discussions.
MLAs from the ruling party claimed that the amendment would open new avenues of development for farmers. However, the opposition expressed concerns over the bill’s implications. Congress leaders suspect that it may benefit those involved in land grabbing at the expense of farmers.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar questioned the government’s approach, asking, “Why does the government need several and different authorities? It should be made clear whether compensation for acquisition will be provided as per the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.”
Congress MLA Bala Bachchan highlighted the potential impact on local areas, stating, “This amendment will affect 88 villages in Indore, 32 villages in Dewas, the land of Simhastha, and there is even a plan to shift the entire Singrauli region. This bill will negatively affect farmers.”
MLA Mahesh Parmar voiced the concerns of farmers in Ujjain, saying they are unhappy and warning that, if ignored, farmers may be driven to desperate measures, including suicide.
In response, the minister emphasized that the amendment grants specific rights to development authorities. He assured that farmers will receive 50% of the developed land as compensation. “This method has already been implemented in Indore,” he added.
The amendment applies to projects exceeding 40 hectares in size and investments of more than Rs 500 crore. According to the minister, this will lead to an increase in land prices by more than tenfold.
The passing of this bill marks a significant step in the state’s urban development strategy, though debates on its implications for farmers and landowners continue.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-assembly-passes-town-and-country-planning-amendment-bill