Mizoram MP claims defence land scam issue blocked in Parliament

Mizoram MP alleges ₹187.90 crore defence land scam, seeks probe.

Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena alleges he's been blocked from raising a ₹187.90 crore corruption issue related to defence land procurement near Lengpui airport. He claims land was acquired at exorbitant rates, violating land acquisition laws. He has written to Amit Shah seeking a probe into the alleged scam.

Key Facts

Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena alleges a ₹187.90 crore corruption issue.

The issue relates to defence land procurement near Lengpui airport.

Land was allegedly acquired at exorbitant rates.

The MP claims violations of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

He has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a probe.

He alleges key safeguards under the Act were bypassed.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Polity - Land acquisition laws and their impact

Connects to issues of corruption, transparency, and accountability in governance

Potential for questions on constitutional provisions related to property rights

Visual Insights

Location of Alleged Land Scam: Lengpui Airport, Mizoram

This map highlights the location of Lengpui Airport in Mizoram, where an alleged defence land procurement scam of ₹187.90 crore is reported. The marker indicates the area where land acquisition irregularities are claimed to have occurred.

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📍Mizoram

More Information

Background

The issue raised by the Mizoram MP touches upon several important aspects of governance and land acquisition. Land acquisition in India is governed by the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, which was later replaced by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This act aims to provide fair compensation to landowners and ensure transparency in the acquisition process. Over time, land acquisition laws have evolved to address concerns about fair compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement of affected populations. The 2013 Act introduced provisions for social impact assessment and consent from landowners, making the process more participatory and equitable. These changes reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance development with the rights and livelihoods of those affected by land acquisition. The concept of eminent domain, the right of the government to take private property for public use, is a key principle underlying land acquisition laws. The legal and constitutional framework for land acquisition is enshrined in Article 300A of the Constitution of India, which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. This provision ensures that land can only be acquired through a legally valid process and with due compensation. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution also lists land acquisition as a subject under both the Union and State lists, giving both levels of government the power to legislate on this matter.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on streamlining the land acquisition process and reducing delays. The National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) has been established to monetize surplus land and assets of public sector undertakings. This aims to unlock the economic potential of underutilized land resources. There are ongoing debates about the balance between development needs and the rights of landowners. Some argue that the land acquisition process is still too cumbersome and delays infrastructure projects. Others emphasize the need for stronger safeguards to protect the interests of vulnerable communities and ensure fair compensation. Institutions like NITI Aayog are involved in formulating policy recommendations to address these challenges. The future outlook for land acquisition in India involves greater use of technology and data to improve transparency and efficiency. The government is also exploring alternative models for land acquisition, such as land pooling and land leasing, to reduce the need for compulsory acquisition. These approaches aim to promote more collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What key facts about the Mizoram land procurement issue are important for UPSC Prelims?

For Prelims, remember that Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena has alleged a ₹187.90 crore corruption issue related to defence land procurement near Lengpui airport. He claims land was acquired at exorbitant rates, violating the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Exam Tip

Focus on the amount, location, and the relevant Act for Prelims MCQs.

2. What is the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and why is it relevant to this issue?

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 aims to provide fair compensation to landowners and ensure transparency in the land acquisition process. It's relevant because the Mizoram MP alleges that the land acquisition for defence purposes violated this Act, implying landowners were not fairly compensated.

3. What are the potential implications of this alleged land scam on governance and public trust?

If proven true, this alleged land scam could erode public trust in government institutions and processes, particularly concerning land acquisition and defence procurement. It raises questions about transparency and accountability in government dealings and could lead to demands for stricter oversight and reforms in land acquisition procedures.

4. Why is this Mizoram land procurement issue in the news recently?

This issue is in the news because Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena has publicly alleged a significant corruption issue and claims he has been blocked from raising the matter in Parliament. His letter to Amit Shah seeking a probe has also drawn media attention.

5. How might the alleged violation of the Land Acquisition Act impact Centre-State relations in this case?

If the allegations are substantiated, it could strain Centre-State relations. Land is a state subject, but defence procurement is a central subject. Disagreements over land acquisition processes and compensation could lead to friction, especially if the state government feels its rights have been overlooked.

6. What recent government initiatives relate to land management and monetization, and how do they connect to this issue?

The National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) has been established to monetize surplus land. While not directly linked to this specific case, it reflects a broader government focus on efficient land use and resource mobilization. This case highlights the importance of transparency and fair compensation in any land-related initiative.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013: 1. It mandates a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for projects involving land acquisition. 2. It requires the consent of at least 80% of affected families for private projects and 70% for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. 3. It provides for higher compensation than the Land Acquisition Act of 1894. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The 2013 Act mandates a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to identify and evaluate the social consequences of land acquisition. It also requires consent from a significant percentage of affected families for private and PPP projects. Furthermore, the Act provides for higher compensation compared to the 1894 Act, aiming for fair and just compensation to landowners and those affected by displacement.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the constitutional basis for land acquisition in India?

A.Article 19 guarantees the absolute right to property, making land acquisition unconstitutional.
B.Article 300A states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law.
C.Land acquisition is solely governed by the Directive Principles of State Policy.
D.The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution prohibits any judicial review of land acquisition laws.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Article 300A of the Constitution of India provides the constitutional basis for land acquisition. It states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. This means that land can only be acquired through a legally valid process and with due compensation, ensuring that the process is fair and just.

3. The Mizoram MP has alleged a corruption issue related to defence land procurement near which airport?

A.Lengpui Airport
B.Aizawl Airport
C.Shillong Airport
D.Imphal Airport

Show Answer

Answer: A

According to the news summary, the Mizoram MP, K. Vanlalvena, alleges that he's been blocked from raising a corruption issue related to defence land procurement near Lengpui airport.