Publication of corrigendum under Section 3a NHAI

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Notification S.O. 682(E) Regarding National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to a notification concerning the National Highways Act, 1956. The amendment, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, specifically changes the designated Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) from NHAI Raichur to NHAI Bagalkot within the schedule of the original notification S.O. 682(E), dated 13th February 2020. This change likely affects land acquisition processes and related communications within the Bagalkot region. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a corrigendum published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding notification S.O. 3953(E) of August 23, 2022. The report focuses on understanding the purpose, changes introduced, and potential impact of this amendment, based solely on the information provided in the official gazette notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** The amendment refers to the original notification S.O. 682(E), dated 13th February 2020, published under the National Highways Act, 1956. This original notification likely outlined procedures and responsibilities related to land acquisition for national highway projects. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the reference to the National Highways Act, 1956, and the role of the Special Land Acquisition Officer, the core objective of the original policy is to facilitate efficient land acquisition for the development and maintenance of national highways in India, as permitted under the relevant acts and laws. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment suggests a need to adjust the administrative responsibility for land acquisition in a specific region. The change from Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI Raichur, to Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI Bagalkot, implies a possible realignment of jurisdictional boundaries or a reassignment of responsibilities within the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The change may be due to administrative reasons, personnel changes, or a strategic decision to better manage land acquisition processes in the Bagalkot area. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This report focuses specifically on the changes introduced by the amendment text. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment alters the schedule within the original notification S.O. 682(E), dated 13th February 2020, specifically column 2. * **New Rule/Provision:** The entry "Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI Raichur" is replaced with "Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI Bagalkot". * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change designates the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) from NHAI Bagalkot as the responsible officer for land acquisition matters previously under the jurisdiction of the SLAO from NHAI Raichur, within the scope of the original notification. This shifts the responsibility to the SLAO of Bagalkot, presumably for projects in that geographical area. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * Landowners in the Bagalkot region potentially impacted by national highway projects. * The Special Land Acquisition Officers of both NHAI Raichur and NHAI Bagalkot. * NHAI officials involved in land acquisition and highway development projects in the region. * Other parties involved in land transactions/projects related to land acquisition for highways in the region. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are the primary responsible bodies. * **Procedures:** The amendment implies that all ongoing and future land acquisition processes related to the specified projects/areas will now be handled by the Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI Bagalkot. * **Specific to the change:** Affected parties must now contact and coordinate with the SLAO of Bagalkot for matters concerning relevant land acquisitions. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is a more streamlined and efficient land acquisition process in the Bagalkot region. The shift in responsibility is intended to: * Clarify the responsible officer for land acquisition in the relevant area. * Potentially improve communication and coordination between NHAI and landowners. * Contribute to the timely completion of highway projects by assigning the appropriate authority for land acquisition matters. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to notification S.O. 682(E) represents a targeted administrative adjustment within the framework of the National Highways Act, 1956. By changing the designated Special Land Acquisition Officer, the amendment aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of land acquisition processes in the Bagalkot region. The stakeholders affected by this change need to take note of the change in responsible officers and adjust their communications and processes accordingly.

Key Entities Referenced