AP plans to amend Land Acquisition Act
Acquiring land at a large scale is the most difficult task in our country. Thus, taking inspiration from Karnataka and Maharashtra State governments, Andhra Pradesh (newly formed Seemandhra region) government has decided to modify the newly enacted Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 to fit the present developmental conditions for the formation of a new capital city for the state.
Deputy Chief Minister KE Krishnamurthy stated that the task of land acquisition under the new LARR Act, 2013 would clearly take about 3-4 years, which makes it very difficult for the new government of AP. Thus, the state government would not be implementing the New Land Acquisition Act, which expanded “The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013”.
Though new Land Acquisition (RR) Act 2013 has been enacted from January 1, 2014, it is yet to be operationalised in many states. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, at present, Land Acquisition Act 1984 is operational.
The major drawback of the LARR Act 2013 in catering the new capital land acquisition process is the resultant delay for the projects due to comprehensive Social Impact Assessment (SIA), which needs to be submitted and approved by an expert panel for both small and larger projects.
Also, observing the compensation ratio as per the new Bill, i.e., two times the market rate in urban areas and four times in rural areas, there has been a significant escalation in the land prices. Due to increased speculations, areas adjoining Guntur–Vijayawada, Tenali and Mangalgiri, where the new capital city is most likely to be established, capital values have risen significantly.
The central LARR Act 2013 comes with a provision allowing state governments to enact their own laws or increase the compensation and rehabilitation packages. Further, government is focusing on land owner friendly policies. Thus, under the new policy, a portion of the land acquired is given back to the landowners after the development.
Alternatively, according to the CM N Chandrababu Naidu, land for the new capital, institutes and office spaces in the Vijayawada – Guntur region would be acquired from private parties in the ratio of compensation for 60 per cent of the land.
