Publication of notification in Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under clause a of section 2 of the petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act 1962 relating to notification Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate Kota to be notified as Competent Authority for acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for BPCL Kota Jobner Multi in the state of Rajasthan

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Competent Authority for Petroleum Pipelines in Rajasthan **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 953E) issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on February 24, 2022, concerning the appointment of a Competent Authority for petroleum pipelines in the state of Rajasthan. This notification is an amendment, superseding a previous authorization from March 1, 2019 (S.O. 338). The core purpose is to designate the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota, as the Competent Authority for specific Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) pipelines within Rajasthan, replacing the previously authorized Revenue Appellate Authority-Kota. The key finding is a shift in responsibility for the functions under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, from a Revenue Appellate Authority to the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of the Notification S.O. 953(E), issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, based solely on the text provided. The report will focus on understanding the changes implemented regarding the Competent Authority responsible for specific petroleum pipelines in Rajasthan. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification amends a previous authorization given in S.O. 338, dated March 1, 2019. * **Core Objective (inferred):** To ensure effective and efficient administration of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, by designating a suitable Competent Authority for BPCL's pipeline projects in Rajasthan. The amendment likely aims to improve the administrative process related to land acquisition for the specified pipelines. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification is an amendment to the existing authorization. The likely reason for this specific amendment, based on the text, is to streamline the administrative processes for land acquisition related to the specified petroleum pipelines in Rajasthan. The change from a Revenue Appellate Authority to the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota, suggests a move towards a more localized and possibly a more efficient decision-making process due to the official's broader administrative powers. The text does not provide the specific reason *why* the prior appointee's authority was superseded, but a need for greater administrative efficiency is a reasonable inference. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification specifically introduces the following change: * **Original Policy (as amended):** The notification S.O. 338, dated March 1, 2019, authorized Ms. Bhagwanti Jethwani, Revenue Appellate Authority-Kota, as the Competent Authority for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) Kota-Jobner Product Pipeline, Bina-Kota Product Pipeline and Mumbai-Manmad-Bijwasan Product Pipeline (from Mangaliya-Indore to Bijwasan-Delhi) in the state of Rajasthan. * **New Rule/Provision:** The Central Government now authorizes the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota, to perform the functions of the Competent Authority, in addition to their own duties, under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, for the same BPCL pipelines in Rajasthan. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The primary change is the shift in the designated Competent Authority from a Revenue Appellate Authority to the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate. This likely consolidates responsibilities within a single individual with broader administrative powers, potentially expediting the processes related to land acquisition and right of user under the Act. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders are: * Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): As the company operating the specified pipelines, BPCL will interact with the new Competent Authority for land acquisition and right-of-user matters. * Landowners in Rajasthan: Individuals and entities owning land along the routes of the Kota-Jobner, Bina-Kota, and Mumbai-Manmad-Bijwasan (Mangaliya-Indore to Bijwasan-Delhi section) pipelines will be affected by decisions made by the new Competent Authority. * Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota: The individual holding this position now bears the responsibility of the Competent Authority. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (issuing authority), Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota (new Competent Authority), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (pipeline operator). * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text does not specify any immediate timelines or procedures. However, it implies that BPCL will now need to coordinate with the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota, for any matters requiring the Competent Authority's attention under the Act. The processes already established under the Act will likely continue, but with a new authority figure. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, with respect to BPCL's pipelines in Rajasthan. The potential impact includes: * Faster processing of land acquisition and right-of-user applications. * Improved coordination between BPCL and the local administration. * Potentially, reduced delays and costs associated with pipeline development. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 953(E) represents a significant administrative change by designating the Additional District Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Kota, as the Competent Authority for specific BPCL petroleum pipelines in Rajasthan. This amendment, superseding a previous authorization, aims to streamline processes and potentially expedite land acquisition under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. This change is significant for BPCL and landowners along the affected pipeline routes. The success of this change will depend on the effectiveness of the new Competent Authority in fulfilling their responsibilities under the Act.

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