In exercise of the powers conferred by sub section 1 of section 3A of the National Highways Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically focusing on a notification published on January 7, 2021. This amendment, referenced as S.O. 77E, modifies the land classification for specific parcels of land acquired under a previous notification (S.O. 1382E dated 27.04.2020) for highway development in Sangrur, Punjab. The key finding is a shift in land designation from "Agriculture, Gair Mumkin" to simply "Agriculture" for multiple survey numbers across several villages. This likely affects compensation and land use regulations pertaining to those specific plots. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, based solely on the provided government policy text. The analysis focuses on understanding the changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment to:** National Highways Act, 1956. The original notification being amended is S.O. 1382E, dated 27.04.2020. * **Core Objective(s):** From the provided text, the core objective appears to be amending land classifications within a previously issued notification related to land acquisition for highway development. This suggests a need to revise or correct the initial land designations. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely addresses discrepancies or errors in the initial land classification assessments conducted under the original notification (S.O. 1382E). The changes, specifically altering the "Nature of Land" designation, suggest that the initial classification ("Agriculture, Gair Mumkin") was found to be inaccurate or requiring modification based on further assessment (implied by the mention of a "CALA report"). The term "Gair Mumkin" typically refers to land that is unfit for cultivation. Removing this designation might indicate the land is now considered cultivable or is being re-evaluated for its potential uses within the highway project context. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The core change introduced by this amendment lies in the alteration of the "Nature of Land" designation for specific survey numbers in Sangrur, Bhawanigarh. The table within the notification details these changes: * **Specific Change:** The "Nature of Land" classification is being changed *from* "Agriculture, Gair Mumkin" *to* "Agriculture" for the following land parcels: * Roshanwala, Survey No. 247 * Roshanwala, Survey No. 254 * Harkishanpura, Survey No. 424 * Kapial, Survey No. 5892 * Harkishanpura, Survey No. 387 * Harkishanpura, Survey No. 388 * Harkishanpura, Survey No. 3911 * Harikishanpura, Survey No. 391 * **Effect of Change:** The removal of "Gair Mumkin" implies a change in the perceived usability or classification of the land. This alteration could influence compensation rates, permissible land uses within the highway project, and potential future development on these parcels. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders most affected by this amendment are: * Landowners of the specified survey numbers in Roshanwala, Harkishanpura, Kapial, and Harikishanpura villages within Bhawanigarh Tehsil, Sangrur District. * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), as they are responsible for implementing the highway project. * Relevant government agencies involved in land acquisition and compensation processes. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority for this notification. NHAI is likely the implementing agency on the ground. * **Procedures:** The amendment is based on a "CALA report," suggesting a process of assessment and reporting that precedes the amendment. The changes are formalized through publication in the official gazette. The implementation likely involves revising land records and reassessing compensation packages if applicable. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these specific changes is likely to: * Correct inaccuracies in the initial land classification. * Ensure fair compensation based on the revised land classification. Landowners may potentially benefit from this change if the change means that the land is more valuable than previously classified. * Facilitate smoother land acquisition processes by resolving discrepancies in land records. **9. Conclusion:** This report analyzes the amendment S.O. 77E to the National Highways Act, 1956, focusing on its alteration of land classifications for specific parcels in Sangrur District. The amendment removes the "Gair Mumkin" designation, likely impacting compensation, land use, and future development. This amendment demonstrates the government's willingness to make necessary corrections to facilitate efficient and equitable land acquisition for national highway projects. The significance of this amendment lies in its potential to resolve disputes, ensure fair treatment of landowners, and improve the overall implementation of the highway project.

Key Entities Referenced