New Delhi: The Government has finalized the rules to implement the much-anticipated Land Acquisition Act, emphasizing fairness and social responsibility to safeguard the rights of farmers when their land is acquired by the Government or private entities.
Key Highlights
Public Domain Consultation
The draft guidelines for the act have been published in the public domain for suggestions. The draft, along with all suggestions, is required to be submitted within 45 days to the Rural Development Ministry by the Cabinet.
Documentation Transparency
All documents and consent records should be publicly available. Any requests for information must be fulfilled within seven days.
Legislative Mandate
'The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013' mandates at least 70% consent for public-private partnerships and 80% for private companies.
Project Implementation
For large projects where acquisition spans multiple locations, all deeds must be completed in those areas simultaneously. The Government must take necessary steps to resolve issues related to land rights and land records to correctly identify all landowners before initiating the deed process.
Post-Hearing Information
The rules also dictate that if any landowner requests more information on the terms and conditions of compensation and resettlement after the public hearing, they must be addressed immediately and provided with the relevant information by the designated officials.