MMDR, Coal bills to come up for debate in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha is expected to take up two crucial legislations for passage today. The select committees on MMDR and Coal Bills tabled their reports Wednesday, which will come up for debate in Upper House. While the select committee on coal did not recommend any changes, the panel on MMDR bill has suggested amendments.

If these bills are not cleared today, the government will extend the ongoing first half of the Budget session by a couple of days. While government will move amendments in the MMDR bill, Opposition parties, including Left will also press for changes to the legislation.

Sharing his take on both legislations, D Raja of CPI (M), who is also member of the MMDR select panel said the select committees could not discuss all provisions of the bill in proper perspective.

“When the bills are taken up in fact we will be arguing with the government. It is question of the protecting the rights of the state government, safeguarding the rights and interests of the tribal people and people who are likely to be evicted. If at all the bills are passed then they will have to be seen in totality of the implementation of other bills, other legislations like Forest Rights Act, and Land Acquisition,” he said.