Publication of corrigendum under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on October 1st, 2021. This notification constitutes an amendment to a previous notification (S.O. 2990E dated June 18th, 2018) related to the National Highways Act, 1956. The amendment specifically concerns the designation of the "Land Acquisition Officer NH Competent Authority, Khordha at Bhubaneswar," replacing it with "Additional Subcollector cum LAO Civil, Khordha." This change likely aims to streamline the land acquisition process in the Khordha region by altering the responsible authority. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of a notification published in the Gazette of India on October 1st, 2021, which amends a prior notification concerning the National Highways Act, 1956. This analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the Government of India's Ministry of Road Transport Highways notification number S.O.2990E dated 18th June, 2018. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of this amendment is to modify the designated authority responsible for land acquisition processes related to National Highways in a specific location (Khordha, Bhubaneswar). It can be inferred the underlying goal remains the effective execution of the National Highways Act, but this specific change focuses on *who* is responsible. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification amends a prior one (S.O.2990E) dealing with land acquisition under the National Highways Act. The amendment specifically changes the designated authority responsible for land acquisition in the Khordha region. The likely reason for this change is to alter the individual or office responsible, potentially to improve efficiency, address administrative concerns, or reflect changes in personnel or jurisdictional structure within the land acquisition process. It's inferred the previous arrangement with the "Land Acquisition Officer NH Competent Authority, Khordha at Bhubaneswar" was deemed less effective than the new arrangement with the "Additional Subcollector cum LAO Civil, Khordha." **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces a change to the originally appointed Land Acquisition Officer. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Being Changed:** The preamble of notification "Land Acquisition Officer NH Competent Authority, Khordha at Bhubaneswar" of S.O.2990E dated 18th June, 2018. * **New Rule/Provision:** The "Land Acquisition Officer NH Competent Authority, Khordha at Bhubaneswar" is now to be substituted by "Additional Subcollector cum LAO Civil, Khordha." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change essentially reassigns the responsibility of Land Acquisition Officer from one entity to another. The effect is a shift in responsibility and potentially a change in the operational procedures related to land acquisition in the specified region. It's implied the "Additional Subcollector cum LAO Civil, Khordha" is now the primary authority for land acquisition matters related to National Highways in that region. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the direct stakeholders impacted by this amendment include: * The "Land Acquisition Officer NH Competent Authority, Khordha at Bhubaneswar" (whose role in this context is being altered). * The "Additional Subcollector cum LAO Civil, Khordha" (who is assuming the role). * Landowners and other parties involved in land acquisition processes related to National Highways in the Khordha region. * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways * Related administrative bodies in the Khordha district **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification), the "Additional Subcollector cum LAO Civil, Khordha" (responsible for implementing the land acquisition process). * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text does not explicitly define timelines or procedures. However, it can be inferred that the change is effective from the date of the notification (October 1st, 2021). The procedures for land acquisition, as outlined in the National Highways Act, would remain in effect, but the designated officer is now different. * **(Amendment Specific Implementation):** The implementation requires notifying relevant personnel and updating internal records to reflect the change in the designated authority. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the land acquisition process in the Khordha region. The potential impacts of the amendment include: * A change in the speed or efficiency of land acquisition. * A shift in the administrative approach to land acquisition, potentially reflecting the expertise or priorities of the new designated authority. * Potentially altered relationships with landowners and other stakeholders due to the change in personnel. **9. Conclusion:** The notification published on October 1st, 2021, represents a specific amendment to a prior notification regarding the National Highways Act, 1956. The core change involves replacing the designated Land Acquisition Officer in the Khordha region. While the overarching goals of the National Highways Act remain, this change signifies a shift in responsibility aimed at optimizing the land acquisition process in that area. This amendment highlights the ongoing efforts to refine administrative processes within the context of national infrastructure development.

Key Entities Referenced