Finance minister Arun Jaitley's media briefing on the just-concluded Niti Aayog meet on the Land Bill.

Jaitley said that chief ministers of 16 states were present for the 2nd meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog chaired by the PM.

Quick takes from the finance minister's speech...


-- Most states were not able to implement the Land Acquisition Act passed by the previous govt.


-- There was a common view raised by many States that the Land Acquisition Act needs to be amended.


-- PM talked about how most states were not able to implement the Land Acquisition Act passed by previous govt.


-- There are no two views that land is necessary for development.


-- Decision to amend Land Bill 2013 taken after consensus from states. Most states are backing the Land Acquisition Bill.


-- CMs who agreed to Land Bill amendments later opposed it.  


-- Many CMs suggested that the Centre work towards evolving a consensus on the Land Acquisition Bill.


-- State development stalled due to land concerns. Many CMs stated that delay in implementing land acquisitions slowed down projects.


-- We cannot pursue consensus over Land Bill indefinitely.


-- If Centre can't manage to get consensus then states should be given flexibility to develop their own law regarding land acquisitions.


-- Those  CMs who chose to boycott the Governing Council meeting   should consider if it is in the spirit of co-operative federalism.