What is Land Acquisition Act (Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013)?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The Act applies when the government wants to acquire land for its own use, for public purposes, or for private companies for public-private partnership projects.
- 2.
It mandates a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study to identify affected families, assess the impact on livelihoods, and propose mitigation measures before land acquisition.
- 3.
The Act requires the consent of 80% of affected families for private projects and 70% for public-private partnership projects.
- 4.
Compensation is determined based on the market value of the land, plus a solatium (additional amount) of 100%. This means landowners get double the market value.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Land Acquisition Laws in India
This timeline illustrates the evolution of land acquisition laws in India, from the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and subsequent amendments. It highlights key milestones and the rationale behind the changes.
The need for a fair and transparent land acquisition process has been a long-standing issue in India, leading to the replacement of the 1894 Act with the 2013 Act.
- 1894Land Acquisition Act of 1894 enacted
- 2013Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 enacted
- 2015-2020Several states amend the 2013 Act to simplify procedures
- 2022-2024Increased focus on using technology like GIS mapping
- 2024Act being reviewed to align with infrastructure development and urbanization needs
- 2026Mizoram MP alleges corruption in land acquisition near Lengpui airport
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Mizoram MP claims defence land scam issue blocked in Parliament
Polity & GovernanceUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and what is its constitutional basis?
The Land Acquisition Act, 2013, is an Indian law that regulates the acquisition of land by the government for public purposes, ensuring fair compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement for affected persons. It replaced the Land Acquisition Act of 1894. As per the concept data, it is related to Article 300A of the Constitution, which states that no person shall be deprived of their property save by authority of law.
Exam Tip
Remember the year of enactment (2013) and the Act it replaced (1894). Also, note the link to Article 300A.
2. What are the key provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013?
The key provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, include:
- •Application to government, public purposes, and public-private partnership projects.
- •Mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study.
