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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 758 (Rajsamand-Bhilwara Section) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning the acquisition of land for the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 758, specifically the Rajsamand-Bhilwara section in the state of Rajasthan. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire specific land parcels and outlines the process for affected individuals to raise objections. The core purpose is to facilitate the expansion and maintenance of the national highway. Key findings include the identification of specific land parcels slated for acquisition, the establishment of a clear objection process for landowners, and the designation of the Sub-Divisional Officer Bhilwara as the Competent Authority. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the notification (S.O. 1101(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on March 10, 2021, regarding land acquisition for National Highway No. 758. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy concerning the acquisition of land for a specific purpose. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated in the notification, is to acquire land for "building wideningfour laning etc., maintenance, management and operation of National Highway no. 758 from KM 60000 to KM 87250 Rajsamand Bhilwara Section in District Bhilwara in the state of Rajasthan." This indicates a project focused on improving and maintaining this segment of the national highway. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy likely addresses the need for improved infrastructure along National Highway 758. Based on the text, the implied issue the policy addresses is the need for land to facilitate the expansion (widening, four-laning), maintenance, management, and general operation of the highway. Without acquiring the land, the project would be impossible to execute effectively. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** Since this is a new policy regarding land acquisition, the main provisions are as follows: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land described in the Schedule for the specified purpose of highway development. * **Land Identification:** The notification identifies specific plots of land in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, including survey numbers (4215, 4216, 4708, 8389), type of land (Private), nature of land (Barani, Nahri), and area in both local units and hectares. * **Objection Process:** The notification establishes a process for individuals "interested in the said land" to object to its acquisition. They have 21 days from the publication date (March 10, 2021) to submit written objections to the Competent Authority (Sub-Divisional Officer Bhilwara). The objections must state the grounds for the objection. * **Competent Authority Role:** The Sub-Divisional Officer Bhilwara, as the Competent Authority, is responsible for hearing objections, providing objectors with an opportunity to be heard (in person or by a legal practitioner), conducting inquiries, and either allowing or disallowing the objections. * **Finality of Order:** The order made by the Competent Authority regarding the objections is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** The land plans and other details related to the land acquisition are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy are: * **Landowners:** Individuals or entities owning the land parcels specifically identified in the Schedule (Survey Numbers 4215, 4216, 4708, and 8389 in Bhilwara district). * **Residents of Bhilwara District:** Those residing in the vicinity of the identified land parcels and potentially affected by the highway project. * **The Sub-Divisional Officer Bhilwara:** As the Competent Authority, they are responsible for managing the objection process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification). * Sub-Divisional Officer Bhilwara (as the Competent Authority). * **Timelines and Procedures:** * Objection period: 21 days from the publication date (March 10, 2021). * Procedure: Submission of written objections to the Competent Authority, followed by a hearing and inquiry process. * The National Highways Act, 1956 is referenced, indicating it provides the legal framework for the land acquisition. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes based on the policy's provisions are: * **Land Acquisition:** Successful acquisition of the specified land parcels, enabling the highway improvement project to proceed. * **Infrastructure Development:** Improved and expanded infrastructure along the Rajsamand-Bhilwara section of National Highway 758. * **Economic Development:** Potential for increased economic activity due to improved transportation infrastructure. * **Potential Disruptions:** Disruption for landowners whose land is acquired, necessitating fair compensation and resettlement (though compensation is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text). **9. Conclusion:** The notification outlines the government's intention to acquire land for the improvement of National Highway 758. It details the specific land parcels, establishes an objection process for affected individuals, and designates the Sub-Divisional Officer Bhilwara as the Competent Authority. While the text focuses on the initial stages of land acquisition, its successful implementation is a critical step towards the broader goal of improving transportation infrastructure in the region. The policy's significance lies in enabling the planned development of the national highway.

Key Entities Referenced