Theme: special economic zones

Resolving Conflict through Sustainable Solution while Acquiring Land for Industry:
Analyzing Indian Experience
Dr. Vrajlal Sapovadia1

The bonding of Indian farmers with their land is like their parents. A farmer sales agricultural
land only in the last resort. After India embarked on reforms to introduce market theory, the land
was the necessary but scarce resources for which the government & entrepreneurs struggled to
acquire land. Land is a State Government (and not Federal government) subject under the
constitutional provision. Land Acquisition Act 1894 is a colonial law, while applying provisions
this law many States faced anger of unsatisfied farmers and agitations lost many lives. The old
Act provides compensation rules exactly against market theory. The farmers were entitled to
meager amount while losing all their livelihoods. Some State like Gujarat brought negotiation,
bargain, consensus & sustainable livelihood policy for the loss of land to ensure long term
employment of the farmers beside one time compensation. This approach is said to be very
simplified land acquisition procedure in the country with minimum direct government
participation. This research paper analyzing the blend of experience which include balanced
interest of farmers and ensure desired industrial development in creating special economic zones,
special investment regions and free trade zones. We critically discuss environmental issues,
labour management, and trade and investment facilitation system to suggest conducive growth
oriented industrial policy to have land acquisition approach to be market friendly, democratic and
equitable.

1 Asst. Dean & Professor, School of Business & Entrepreunership, The American University of Nigeria, Yola, Nigeria