Publication of corrigendum under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 Regarding Land Acquisition for NH-104 in Bihar **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to a notification under the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically concerning land acquisition for the Sheohar-Sitamarhi-Jaynagar-Narahia Section of National Highway 104 (NH-104) in Bihar. The amendment, detailed in notification S.O. 2903(E), dated June 27, 2022, involves a change in the competent authority responsible for land acquisition from the District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, to the Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani. This change aims to streamline the land acquisition process for this specific section of the highway. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the amendment to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification regarding land acquisition for a segment of National Highway 104 in Bihar. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of notification S.O. 2903(E), dated June 27, 2022. The purpose is to inform relevant stakeholders about the specific changes introduced by this amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment to:** S.O. 2253 (E), dated September 29, 2011, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II Section 3 SubSection ii. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The original policy, as indicated by the reference to the National Highways Act, 1956, likely concerns the acquisition of land for the development and maintenance of national highways. This specific amendment aims to facilitate the land acquisition process for the identified section of NH-104. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment arises "Due to change of competent authority of this project." This suggests an administrative or operational reason necessitating a change in the designated official responsible for land acquisition. The original designated authority, District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, is being replaced by Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani. The change probably aims to improve efficiency or coordination in the land acquisition process by assigning a different official with a potentially better understanding of local land reforms and acquisition processes in the Phulparas region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment focuses on a single, but important, change: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment modifies the designated "Competent Authority" for land acquisition for the NH-104 Sheohar-Sitamarhi-Jaynagar-Narahia Section from km 40.00 to km 216.00 in the State of Bihar, specifically within the Madhubani district. * **New Rule/Provision:** The competent authority is now the Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani is no longer the designated competent authority. The Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani is now responsible for overseeing the land acquisition process for the specified section of NH-104. The note clarifies that the new authority is nominated *in place of* the old one. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The directly affected stakeholders include: * Landowners along the Sheohar-Sitamarhi-Jaynagar-Narahia section of NH-104 between km 40.00 and km 216.00 in the State of Bihar. * The Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, who now assumes responsibility for the land acquisition process. * Construction companies and contractors involved in the NH-104 project, as efficient land acquisition is crucial for project progress. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which oversees the National Highways Act. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The primary responsible body is the Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways retains oversight through its powers under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text does not specify any new timelines or procedures. Existing procedures related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, will likely apply, but now under the direction of the newly appointed authority. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is a more efficient and potentially smoother land acquisition process for the NH-104 project. The expectation is that the Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, will be better positioned to navigate local land issues, leading to faster approvals and reduced delays. This would positively impact the progress and timely completion of the NH-104 project. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the notification under the National Highways Act, 1956, regarding land acquisition for NH-104 represents an administrative adjustment aimed at streamlining the land acquisition process. By changing the competent authority to the Deputy Collector Land Reforms, PhulparasCumDistrict Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, the government likely intends to improve efficiency and expedite the project's progress. This change is significant for landowners, construction companies, and the overall development of the Sheohar-Sitamarhi-Jaynagar-Narahia section of NH-104.

Key Entities Referenced