India's land acquisition law was drawn up by British colonial rulers more than century ago, and many feel the need the law to be amended to make it fitting to current situations. The government has so far attempted twice to amend the law, but every time it failed to make the desired changes.

Last week, the government prepared to introduce its latest version of the Land Acquisition act in parliament, but social activists once again opposed the bill, saying it falls far short of democratic expectation.

Medha Patkar, renowned social activist who led a high-profile campaign against the building of a huge dam to prevent the eviction of thousands of tribal people from their homeland, says that the redrafted bill will only extend the land conflict.

Opposing the bill, Patkar said, "The redrafted bill ... though accepting certain provisions as suggested by social movements, is pro-market and pro-investment and will only further the land conflict."

The redrafted bill will govern land acquisition by the government for itself and by private companies to provide public services.

The proposed changes to the land acquisition law promises to breathe life into several of frozen industrial and infrastructure projects, which could not be completed due to conflicts over land acquisition. But, the reality is that the new law will also make the cost of land much higher for businesses.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimates that the changes will increase land acquisition costs by up to 3.5 times, which will affect the viability of projects.