Irrigation Bill was passed without consulting farmers!!

Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel: Gujarat: Sunday, 24 March 2013.

Government may boast one doing their best for “6 crore Gujaratis”, but citizens in Gujarat are denied an opportunity to give their comments, or suggestions in the recently passed Irrigation Bill.

Reply to RTI applicatiikaon filed by Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (Pankti Jog) revealed that despite 4 MLA’s demanded that the bill be referred to the committee, and comments suggestions may be asked from farmers, the bill was passed without even discussing about the need of referring it to such committee.

The Gujarat Irrigation and Drainage Bill 2013 was passed recently by Gujarat Assembly. This Act primarily puts close monitoring over “Farmers” for using water from their own well, or from river, canal etc, followed by dire consequences like jail imprisonment, penalties, and water charges etc.Makes mandatory for every farmer to seek license from the government for use of water, even if the source of water lies on her/his own farm. (like well, bore etc). Gives enormous power to one Person/entity/Authority called “CANAL OFFICER” to register offense, investigate, put person in jail, punish, and penalize, & also cancellation, renewal of licenses. It has un-contitutional provision like denying power and rights of Local bodies (Panchayat, Municipality) over natural resources and water forest and land.

RTI reply also revealed that 4 members of the assembly viz , Keshubhai Patel, Jasabhai Barad, Shankarsingh Vaghela and Ram Parmar demanded for the referring the bill to “Select Committee” on 26th f Feb 2013, however Gujarat Assembly denied for allotting certified copies.