In pursuance of clause a of Section 2 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification S.O. 401(E) Regarding Competent Authority for JHBDPL Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Notification S.O. 401(E), issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on January 27, 2021. The notification pertains to the appointment of a Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, for the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project in specific districts of Bihar. The key finding is the designation of Shri Prem Kant Surya as the Competent Authority for Gaya and Aurangabad districts, expanding his existing responsibilities. This ensures efficient implementation of land acquisition processes for the JHBDPL project in these regions. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Notification S.O. 401(E), as published in the Gazette of India, focusing on its implications for stakeholders involved in the JHBDPL project and land acquisition processes in the specified districts of Bihar. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification acts as an amendment within the framework of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Core Objective:** To designate a Competent Authority for the efficient implementation of land acquisition processes related to the JHBDPL project within Gaya and Aurangabad districts of Bihar, as stipulated by the Act. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification likely addresses the need for a designated authority to manage land acquisition for the JHBDPL project in Gaya and Aurangabad districts. It appears that the previous arrangement (represented by Shri Lalit Bhushan Ranjan) required adjustment, possibly due to workload, reassignment, or other administrative reasons. The amendment streamlines the process by assigning these responsibilities to an existing Competent Authority, Shri Prem Kant Surya, who already handles similar duties in Kamiur and Rohtas. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification functions as an amendment within the existing legal framework. It introduces the following changes: * **Part of Original Policy Affected:** This notification builds upon the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, specifically clause (a) of Section 2, which concerns the designation of Competent Authorities. * **New Rule/Provision:** Shri Prem Kant Surya, Land Reform Deputy Collector, Sasaram, is now additionally authorized to perform the functions of Competent Authority for Gaya and Aurangabad districts, in addition to his existing responsibilities in Kamiur and Rohtas. This replaces Shri Lalit Bhushan Ranjan, Land Reform Deputy Collector, Gaya Sadar. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change ensures continued, and potentially more efficient, oversight of land acquisition for the JHBDPL project in Gaya and Aurangabad districts. It centralizes authority under Shri Prem Kant Surya, potentially streamlining communication and decision-making. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **GAIL India Limited:** As the company responsible for the JHBDPL project, GAIL benefits from a clearly designated Competent Authority for land acquisition. * **Landowners in Gaya and Aurangabad districts:** The notification directly impacts landowners whose property may be subject to acquisition for the pipeline project. * **Government of Bihar:** The State Government is responsible for implementing the Act and facilitating the land acquisition process. * **Shri Prem Kant Surya:** As the newly designated Competent Authority, his responsibilities are expanded. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is responsible for issuing the notification. Shri Prem Kant Surya, under the Government of Bihar, is responsible for implementing the land acquisition process in the specified districts. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification states that it is effective from the date of its issue (January 27, 2021). Specific procedures for land acquisition will follow the guidelines outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** Implementation of this amendment will involve officially transferring responsibilities from the previous authority (Shri Lalit Bhushan Ranjan) to the new authority (Shri Prem Kant Surya). Communication and coordination between GAIL, the relevant government departments, and landowners will need to reflect this change. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is likely to ensure the smooth and timely acquisition of land required for the JHBDPL project in Gaya and Aurangabad districts. By assigning an existing Competent Authority, the government aims to avoid delays and potential disruptions in the project's progress. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 401(E) is a targeted amendment aimed at optimizing the land acquisition process for the JHBDPL project in Gaya and Aurangabad districts of Bihar. By designating Shri Prem Kant Surya as the Competent Authority, the government seeks to ensure efficient implementation of the project. This notification is significant for all stakeholders involved in the JHBDPL project and land acquisition processes in the specified region.

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