Land Acquisition Bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday. Highly placed official sources said that the Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet today. It aims to put in place a transparent and legal framework for land acquisition.

According to the proposed Bill, consent of at least 80 per cent of people will be mandatory to acquire land except where land is acquired for public purpose. The Bill defines public purpose as land use for strategic purposes, infrastructure and industry. The Bill calls for different land acquisition norms for rural and urban areas. Under the new Bill, the states will be free to have their own land acquisition laws.

Rural Development Minister had earlier stated that the new Bill addresses both the rehabilitation and resettlement issues. The Bill has gained significance after raging controversy over land acquisition in the country.