Section 40 of the Land acquisition act to be tweaked to expedite road projects
The Land Acquisition Act, 2013 which was brought in by the previous UPA government was considered as one of the successes by the previous government. However the Modi government is all set to make some changes in that act to redress some of the issues regarding compensation and rehabilitation of owners of land acquired for industrial or other purposes.
Many state ministers including from Congress-ruled states requested the rural development ministry to make changes in the present Act as it is discouraging for the industry. The interests of the land owners and industry should be balanced for a harmonious growth of the country.
Rural development minister Nitin Gadkari, has forwarded a set of suggestions to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and after Modi’s intervention, the changes will be made. The industry wants more sectors added to section 40 of the Act and does not want any major changes to the act.
Section 40 states that the government would be empowered to acquire land on an urgent basis with a notice of just 30 days for the purposes of defence and national security, and for reasons arising out of national calamities.
If land acquisitions for the purpose of road building and government or public-private power projects are added to this list, then the hurdles can be overcome and the projects can be expedited.
Source- The Economic Times
Elevated road projects, land acquisition, Land Acquisition Act, Prime Minister's Office, Road projects, Section 40
