On Feb 14 state-wide demonstrations were held by CPI(ML) and AIALA demanding immediate convocation of a special session of the Assembly on land reforms and formation of a Land Reforms Commission in the state. During the last Assembly elections the DMK had promised to distribute 2 acres of agricultural land to every landless family, but once in power it reneged completely on that promise and instead threw all its weight behind the corporate land-grab campaign. More than 30,000 acres of agricultural land have been given to big industrial houses, especially to SEZs, at throwaway prices. About 2 million acres of Panchama land distributed to Dalits during the British Raj have also come under the illegal occupation of private land grabbers as well as government institutions. Apart from more than half a million acres of wet and dry lands held by temples, Mutts and religious trusts, private universities and colleges and corporate hospitals have also been granted hundreds of acres of agricultural land under Land Reform Act exemption clauses.
Against this backdrop, the CPIML and AIALA have been campaigning for the setting up of a high power Land Reforms Commission. Land apart, the February 14 demonstrations also highlighted the demand for rural employment, insisting on at least 200 days of assured employment under MNREGA at a minimum daily wage of Rs 200.
