The National Advisory Council (NAC) has prescribed a seven-point test for a having a humane legistlation on land acquisition and rehabilitation.

In a letter to the government, the NAC chaired by Sonia Gandhi, has suggested a check list of seven parameters which includes provisions for a rehabilitation package that is sensitive to the aspirations of the affected people.

“Does it discourage forced displacement? Does it minimise adverse impacts on people, habitats, environment and biodiversity? Does it minimise adverse impacts on food security by actively discouraging acquisition of agricultural land, and promoting local economies?

“Does it comprehensively define project affected persons/families? Does it provide for a just compensation and rehabilitation package, sensitive to the aspirations, culture, community, natural resource base and skill base of the affected people?

“Does it ensure humane, participatory, informed, consultative and transparent process” Does it provide for effective implementation?”

“The test for any such legislation should be on these parameters,” said the letter sent by the NAC to the government.

The NAC also wants the Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Act to make violation of the law by public officials a punishable offence.

“Penal provisions for violations (by public officials), in the form of fines imposed on public officials who fail based on their job charts issued by the state government, must be included in the statute,” the NAC said.

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“This is an important development and Daimary has voiced desire to talk to me this month and I am open to his offer,” Gogoi said.

The state government, he said would provide priority to the development of the education sector.

Admitting that the education sector had failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people in the last ten years of his rule, the chief minister said special thrust will be given to ensure the overall development of the department.

Another thrust of his government in the third term will be to develop communication including riverine networks.

“With the mighty Brahmaputra river we have a good riverine network and the government will find ways to improve communication between rural areas through the river”, he said.

To solve the unemployment problem, the chief minister said 88298 government posts will be filled up while 24000 new posts will be created.

On the issue of corruption, Gogoi said his government was concerned and will try to ensure that it is tackled effectively.