Govt to pay higher compensation for land acquired for road projects

Central Government is set to pay higher compensation to property owners and farmers who have parted with their land for highway project. Land acquisition was one of the major hurdles for these highway projects because the property owners and farmers were not accepting the compensation being offered to them for their land. Thus, the government has decided to pay higher compensation under the new land acquisition law – Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, (RFCTLARR Act) 2013.

This will not only bring in relief to the farmers who have been fighting for higher compensation but will also expedite the highway projects. Multiple projects were stalled due to protests by the farmers. The ministry has directed the NHAI & NHIDCL to enhance the compensation if the award were fixed as per the old land acquisition law. The scheme will be applicable to all farmers whose award has been fixed prior to January 1, 2015 but acquisition is not yet happened.

Under the new land acquisition law,Section 24 (I) makes landowners eligible for higher compensation.