Date:14/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/14/stories/2006081404930600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Land acquisition: officials asked to prepare better package

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy has directed officials to work out a better compensation package for people whose lands were being acquired in and around the city, saying that there should not be any "heartburn" among small farmers and others who are losing their land.

The Government has decided to set up a Cabinet Sub-Committee to propose the modalities after Dr. Reddy reviewed the land acquisition and compensation issues with Chief Secretary J.Harinarayan and other senior officials here on Sunday. He wanted the land acquisition process to be transparent and a role model for other States. According to an official release, the Government has noted that land prices had increased abnormally in the vicinity of Hyderabad.