In pursuance of sub section 5 of Section 3G of the National Highways Act, 1956

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Appointment of Arbitrator under the National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, on January 1, 2021. The notification, published in the Gazette of India, pertains to the appointment of an Arbitrator under Section 3G of the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically for land acquisition disputes. The core purpose is to facilitate dispute resolution related to compensation for land acquired for National Highway projects in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh. Key findings indicate the formal appointment of the District Magistrate of Shravasti as the arbitrator and the applicability of Section 3G, subsections 6 and 7 during arbitration. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, focusing on the appointment of an arbitrator under the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the information presented within the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification constitutes a specific implementation action under the existing National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). Therefore, it can be categorized as an implementation directive rather than an amendment to the Act itself. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to facilitate the resolution of disputes related to compensation for land acquisition for National Highway projects in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh, as stipulated by the National Highways Act, 1956. The appointment of an arbitrator ensures a mechanism for resolving such disputes. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is not a new policy but an implementation action under an existing law, the notification likely addresses the need for efficient dispute resolution in ongoing or planned National Highway projects. The appointment of an arbitrator is necessary to fulfill the provisions of the National Highways Act concerning fair compensation for land acquisition and to expedite the resolution of disputes that may arise. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification establishes the following: * **Appointment of Arbitrator:** The District Magistrate of Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, is officially appointed as the Arbitrator. * **Jurisdiction:** The Arbitrator's jurisdiction is limited to the revenue district of Shravasti. * **Legal Basis:** The appointment is made in pursuance of subsection 5 of Section 3G of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Considerations During Arbitration:** The arbitrator is directed to consider subsections 6 and 7 of Section 3G of the Act while making awards. This relates to the criteria for determining the amount of compensation and the factors to be considered by the arbitrator. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh whose land is being acquired for National Highway projects. * The District Magistrate of Shravasti, who is now responsible for acting as an arbitrator. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. * Construction companies/entities involved in National Highway projects in Shravasti district. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for issuing the notification. The District Magistrate of Shravasti is responsible for conducting the arbitration. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification itself does not specify any timelines. However, the reference to Section 3G of the National Highways Act implies that the arbitration process will follow the procedures outlined in that section. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcome of this notification is to ensure a fair and transparent process for resolving disputes related to compensation for land acquisition in the Shravasti district. The appointment of a designated arbitrator is intended to expedite the resolution of disputes, which, in turn, should facilitate the smooth implementation of National Highway projects. This should lead to reduced project delays and increased public confidence in the land acquisition process. **9. Conclusion:** The notification regarding the appointment of an arbitrator under the National Highways Act, 1956, is a crucial step in the land acquisition process for National Highway projects in the Shravasti district. By designating a specific arbitrator and referencing relevant sections of the Act, the notification aims to facilitate efficient and equitable resolution of compensation disputes, ultimately contributing to the timely completion of infrastructure projects. The stakeholders involved in land acquisition in the specified district should be aware of the arbitrator appointment for dispute resolution.

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