Publication of corrigendum under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Notification S.O. 1960E regarding National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification S.O. 1960E, dated 16.05.2018, concerning land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. The amendment, published on November 7, 2022, changes the designation of the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition in Tiruvannamalai. The key finding is a shift in responsibility from the Revenue Divisional Officer to the Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI, Tiruvannamalai. This likely aims to streamline land acquisition processes for National Highway projects in the region. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the amendment to notification S.O. 1960E concerning the National Highways Act, 1956, based solely on the provided policy text. This report will detail the changes introduced by the amendment and infer its potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** This amendment modifies notification S.O. 1960E dated 16.05.2018, published in the Gazette of India. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The original policy likely pertains to the process of land acquisition for National Highway projects. The amendment suggests the initial notification designated the Revenue Divisional Officer as the competent authority for such acquisition. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment suggests a need to adjust the existing land acquisition framework in Tiruvannamalai. The change in designation from Revenue Divisional Officer to Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI, Tiruvannamalai, implies that the existing arrangement may have been inefficient or insufficiently focused on National Highway projects. By designating a "Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI," the amendment likely aims to provide a dedicated authority with specific expertise in land acquisition related to National Highway development, potentially expediting the process. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This analysis focuses specifically on the amendment introduced by the provided text. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The schedule to the original notification, specifically "serial no. 1 in column 2". * **New Rule/Provision:** The entry "Revenue Divisional Officer, Tiruvannamalai" is replaced with "Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI, Tiruvannamalai". * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The core difference is a shift in the designated authority. Instead of the general Revenue Divisional Officer, the responsibility is now assigned to a Special District Revenue Officer specifically focused on Land Acquisition (LA) for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Tiruvannamalai. The effect is likely to be a more streamlined and potentially faster land acquisition process for National Highway projects. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders directly affected by this change are: * **Landowners in Tiruvannamalai:** Landowners whose property may be acquired for National Highway projects in the specified region will now interact with a different designated authority. * **National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):** NHAI stands to benefit from a potentially more efficient land acquisition process managed by a dedicated officer. * **Project developers/contractors involved in National Highway projects in Tiruvannamalai:** Their projects may experience smoother progress due to the streamlined land acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The key agency is the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), as the designated officer is directly linked to the organization. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text does not specify any immediate timelines or procedures. The amendment primarily focuses on the change in designation, implying that existing land acquisition procedures will now be carried out by the new designated officer. The change came into effect on November 7th, 2022. * **Changes Specific to the Amendment:** The primary implementation aspect is the operational shift from the Revenue Divisional Officer to the Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI, Tiruvannamalai. All ongoing and future land acquisition activities will now be managed by the latter. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to: * **Accelerate land acquisition for National Highway projects in Tiruvannamalai:** A specialized officer dedicated to NHAI land acquisition can likely focus efforts and expedite the process. * **Improve coordination between NHAI and the local administration:** The Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI, likely facilitates better communication and collaboration. * **Reduce potential delays in project implementation:** Faster land acquisition translates to faster project completion and reduced costs. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to notification S.O. 1960E, published on November 7, 2022, signifies a strategic adjustment to land acquisition processes for National Highway projects in Tiruvannamalai. By designating a dedicated Special District Revenue Officer LA, NHAI, as the Competent Authority, the government aims to streamline land acquisition, potentially accelerating project implementation and improving coordination between NHAI and local administrative bodies. This change is significant for landowners, NHAI, and project developers involved in National Highway development in the region.

Key Entities Referenced