AAP regional convener Nethi Maheshwar Rao deplored that although farmers are receiving compensation for their land as per the Land Acquisition Act of 2018, agricultural laborers, especially those who lost their livelihoods, were not compensated. As per the amended act, he asserted that land acquisition should benefit tenant farmers and agricultural laborers also.
He released a report focusing on the impact of land acquisition in areas like Amaravati, Ramayapatnam, Raaveru, Chevuru and Kareddu in AP. His report shows how small farmers and agricultural laborers are being affected by these acquisitions.
A major concern was also expressed regarding the construction of the Ramayapatnam Port and the capital city of Amaravati, which have led to agricultural laborers losing their livelihoods and being forced to migrate due to a lack of employment opportunities. He mentioned that the government is putting the lives of the poor at stake by handing over farmers’ land to corporates.
Maheshwar Rao said that land acquisition is happening in the name of development, but rural poor farmers and agricultural laborers are losing their livelihoods, which is a violation of Article 21, the right to life and livelihood. He deplored that many projects are being undertaken without conducting a Social Impact Assessment (SIA).
As a result, he observed that laborers are now forced to travel long distances to find work and local employment has not been provided in projects like the Ramayapatnam Port and Indosol. He demanded a comprehensive compensation for income loss based on lifetime earnings, to be decided by the government with the help of revenue and other experts.
He said that skill development training should be provided before land acquisition. The government should take responsibility for this. He made it clear that land acquisition should only be considered after employment guarantees or alternative livelihoods are provided.
The AAP leader said that land acquisition should be done with a comprehensive plan that respects the livelihood rights of the poor and development should not come at the cost of their lives. He made it clear that without proper compensation, employment security, and rehabilitation, land acquisition becomes inhumane. He asked the governments that it should remain firm against such practices.
