Pand M file State of the Haryana

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 - Delegation of Powers to State Governments **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, dated August 11, 2021. This notification constitutes an amendment to a previous notification (S.O. 1096E, dated August 4, 2005) concerning the execution of works pertaining to specific National Highways. The core purpose of this amendment is to delegate the authority for executing these works to the specified State Government (Haryana) for particular sections of National Highways within its jurisdiction, subject to compliance with existing rules under the National Highways Act, 1956. The key finding is that this amendment alters the responsibility for highway work execution for specific sections of national highways, shifting it from the central government to the Haryana state government. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a notification (S.O. 3230E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on August 11, 2021. This notification amends a previous notification regarding the execution of works on specific National Highways, focusing on the delegation of authority to the State Government of Haryana. The analysis is based solely on the text provided. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification is an amendment to the Government of India, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Department of Road Transport and Highways notification number S.O 1096E, dated the 4th August, 2005. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to delegate the functions related to the execution of works pertaining to specific sections of National Highways to the State Government of Haryana, aiming for potentially more efficient local management and development of these sections. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely aims to streamline the execution of works on National Highways by empowering the State Government of Haryana to manage these projects within its jurisdiction. The specified amendment suggests that the central government has reassessed the optimal distribution of responsibilities, potentially to address bottlenecks, improve coordination, or leverage local expertise in highway development and maintenance. By delegating authority to the state government for specific highway sections, the amendment may seek to expedite project implementation and enhance responsiveness to local needs. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification amends the Schedule of the original notification (S.O. 1096E) by substituting the entries related to serial number 8. This substitution effectively transfers the authority for the execution of works on the following sections of National Highways to the Haryana State Government: * **National Highways Numbered:** 21A, 22, 64, 65, 71, 71A, 709, 73, 334D, and 148B * **Specifically Excluding:** Certain kilometer ranges within these National Highways as detailed in column 2 of the provided table. * **Change:** The previous notification, S.O 1096E, presumably assigned these functions to a different entity (likely the Central Government directly or a centrally controlled agency). This amendment shifts that responsibility to the Haryana State Government. * **Effect:** The Haryana State Government now has the power to execute works pertaining to the specified sections of National Highways, subject to compliance with existing rules under the National Highways Act, 1956. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * The Haryana State Government and its relevant departments (e.g., Public Works Department). * Contractors and construction companies operating in Haryana involved in highway projects. * Citizens and businesses in Haryana who rely on the specified National Highways for transportation. * Central government agencies involved in national highway development. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The State Government of Haryana, specifically its relevant departments responsible for road construction and maintenance, is now primarily responsible for implementing the execution of works on the specified highway sections. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The text does not specify any new timelines or procedures. The State Government is bound to comply with the rules for the time being in force under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Specific to Changes:** The amendment requires the State Government of Haryana to prepare and execute works based on the National Highway act for the specified highway sections. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes are: * **Increased Efficiency:** Potentially faster project approvals and implementation due to localized decision-making. * **Improved Coordination:** Better coordination between highway projects and other state-level infrastructure development initiatives. * **Enhanced Responsiveness:** Greater responsiveness to local needs and priorities in highway planning and execution. * **Economic Growth:** Improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure could lead to economic growth within Haryana. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, through notification S.O. 3230E, represents a significant shift in responsibility for the execution of works on specific sections of National Highways within Haryana. By delegating authority to the State Government, the amendment aims to improve efficiency, coordination, and responsiveness in highway development and maintenance, ultimately contributing to enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the region. While the text provides limited detail, the amendment's impact on project implementation and the role of the Haryana State Government is clear.

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