Publication of corrigendum under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically concerning land acquisition for the improvement of National Highway 527B in Bihar. The amendment, documented in S.O. 2902(E) and published on June 27, 2022, focuses on changing the designated Competent Authority responsible for land acquisition. The Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas-Cum-District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, is nominated in place of the District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani. This change is intended to streamline the land acquisition process for the highway improvement project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a concise overview of the amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as outlined in the provided government notification. The analysis focuses on the amendment's purpose, key changes, and potential implications for stakeholders involved in the National Highway 527B improvement project. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment to:** Notification S.O. 1835 (E), dated April 18, 2022, related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** (Inferred) To efficiently manage land acquisition for the Darbhanga-Jaynagar NH105, New 527B road improvement project in Bihar by modifying the designated Competent Authority. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely addresses concerns regarding the efficiency or effectiveness of the original designated Competent Authority (District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani). The nomination of the Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas-Cum-District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, suggests a need for a more localized or specialized authority to handle the land acquisition process. This change could be due to administrative restructuring, workload balancing, or a need for specific expertise related to land reforms in the Phulparas region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This report concerns an amendment, so focus is on changes. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment specifically alters the designated "Competent Authority" responsible for land acquisition for the mentioned section of NH527B. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule designates the "Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas-Cum-District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani" as the Competent Authority in place of the "District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The change shifts the responsibility for land acquisition from the general District Land Acquisition Officer to an officer also holding the position of Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas. This could indicate a more localized focus on land acquisition within the Phulparas region and potentially integration with land reform initiatives in that area. The new authority is specifically for NH527B KM. 14.894 To KM 53.147. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * **Landowners:** Within the specified section of NH527B (KM. 14.894 to KM 53.147) in Bihar, who may be subject to land acquisition for the project. * **Construction Companies/Contractors:** Involved in the Darbhanga-Jaynagar NH105, New 527B road improvement project. * **Relevant Government Agencies:** Including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the local administration in Madhubani and Phulparas. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas-Cum-District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, now bears primary responsibility for land acquisition related to the project. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways oversees the project. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The text does not specify any new timelines or procedures directly related to the change in Competent Authority. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The anticipated outcome of this amendment is a more efficient and potentially more localized land acquisition process. The Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas-Cum-District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani, may possess specific knowledge and relationships within the region that could expedite land acquisition and minimize potential disputes. The change aims to keep the highway improvement project on schedule. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, detailed in S.O. 2902(E), represents a change in the designated Competent Authority for land acquisition on a specific section of NH527B in Bihar. This change likely aims to improve the efficiency of the land acquisition process by leveraging the expertise and local knowledge of the newly appointed Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Phulparas-Cum-District Land Acquisition Officer, Madhubani. This is a significant change that could potentially benefit the project stakeholders and the overall highway improvement initiative.

Key Entities Referenced