Publication of corrigendum under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway No. 71 in Andhra Pradesh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification published in the Gazette of India on April 12, 2022, which constitutes an amendment to previous notifications (S.O. 2520 E, dt.8th August 2017 and S.O 1702 E, dt. 17th April 2018) under the National Highways Act, 1956. The core purpose of this amendment is to modify the designation of the "competent authority" responsible for land acquisition related to National Highway No. 71 in Andhra Pradesh. The key finding is a change in the designated authority, expanding it to include both the Sub-Collector and the Revenue Divisional Officer of Madanapalli. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the amendment published in the Gazette of India on April 12, 2022, concerning land acquisition for National Highway No. 71 in the State of Andhra Pradesh. This analysis is based solely on the text provided. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Amended:** This notification amends previous notifications: S.O. 2520 E, dt.8th August 2017 and S.O 1702 E, dt. 17th April 2018, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, PartII, Section 3, Subsection ii. * **Core Objective(s) as Inferred from the Text:** The overarching objective, discernible from the context, is the acquisition of land for the development or maintenance of National Highway No. 71. The specific objective addressed by *this amendment* is to clarify or modify the designation of the responsible authority for this land acquisition process. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment. The likely reason for this specific amendment is that a change in designation was requested by the District Collector, as indicated by the text "Request for Change in CALA Degignation Vide District Collector ltr No. Roc.No.G235562016 dt. 26.03.2022". It suggests that the initial designation of "Sub-Collector, Madanapalli" as the competent authority may have been insufficient, impractical, or required clarification, leading to the need to include the "Revenue Divisional Officer, Madanapalli." **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment directly alters the "Schedule to the said notification" which defines the "competent authority" for land acquisition. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule/provision states that the competent authority should be read as "Sub-Collector, Madanapalli Revenue Divisional Officer, Madanapalli". * **Difference/Effect of Change:** Previously, the competent authority was solely the Sub-Collector of Madanapalli. The amendment now designates *both* the Sub-Collector *and* the Revenue Divisional Officer of Madanapalli as the competent authorities. This could mean that either both officers must approve the land acquisition, or that either one could take responsiblity. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this change include: * Landowners whose land is being acquired for National Highway No. 71 in the specified stretch (km 0000 to km 058360). * The Sub-Collector of Madanapalli. * The Revenue Divisional Officer of Madanapalli. * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), specifically the PIU (Project Implementation Unit). * The District Collector's office in the relevant district. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification). * National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) - Project Implementation Unit (PIU). * Sub-Collector and Revenue Divisional Officer of Madanapalli (as competent authorities). * District Collector (as indicated by the request for change). * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text doesn't specify timelines or procedures beyond referring to the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** The primary implementation aspect is ensuring that all future actions related to land acquisition for NH-71 within the specified area are undertaken with the understanding that both the Sub-Collector and Revenue Divisional Officer share the responsibility of "competent authority." **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is to streamline the land acquisition process by clarifying the responsibilities. This change might have been requested for either efficiency (allowing for delegation of tasks between the Sub-Collector and Revenue Divisional Officer) or accountability (ensuring oversight from both officers). The impact would likely be a smoother and potentially faster process for land acquisition related to National Highway No. 71. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment published on April 12, 2022, modifies the designation of the competent authority for land acquisition related to National Highway No. 71 in Andhra Pradesh. By adding the Revenue Divisional Officer of Madanapalli alongside the Sub-Collector, the amendment likely aims to improve the efficiency, accountability, or clarity of the land acquisition process. This change is significant for landowners, government agencies involved, and the overall progress of the National Highway project.

Key Entities Referenced