Cabinet Secretary: No Changes to Land Acquisition Policy, Focus on Implementation

India's land acquisition policy remains unchanged, with focus on efficient implementation for infrastructure projects.

Photo by Farkas Mario

The Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba, has clarified that the Centre has no plans to amend the existing land acquisition policy. Instead, the government's focus is squarely on improving the implementation of the current framework, particularly for major infrastructure projects. This statement comes amidst a review of 7,750 projects, valued at ₹85 lakh crore, under the PM GatiShakti initiative, which aims for integrated planning and synchronized project execution.

The core message is clear: the policy itself is stable, but its execution needs streamlining to avoid delays and cost overruns, a common challenge in India's infrastructure development. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as land acquisition is a perennial issue in governance and economic development, often leading to social and environmental concerns.

मुख्य तथ्य

Cabinet Secretary: Rajiv Gauba

Number of projects reviewed under PM GatiShakti: 7,750

Value of projects under PM GatiShakti: ₹85 lakh crore

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

Provisions, objectives, and challenges of the LARR Act, 2013.

Features, significance, and implementation mechanism of PM GatiShakti.

Governance challenges in infrastructure project execution (delays, cost overruns, inter-ministerial coordination).

Constitutional provisions related to property rights and land acquisition (Article 300A, Concurrent List).

Role of the Cabinet Secretary and the central government in policy implementation and inter-ministerial coordination.

दृश्य सामग्री

PM GatiShakti: Scale & Focus on Implementation (Jan 2026)

This dashboard highlights the massive scale of infrastructure projects under review by the government and the critical focus on improving their implementation to avoid delays and cost overruns, as emphasized by the Cabinet Secretary.

Projects Under Review: 7,750
Total Project Value: ₹85 Lakh Crore
Policy Stance: No Changes
Primary Focus: Implementation

और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

Land acquisition has historically been a contentious issue in India, crucial for development but often fraught with social and economic challenges. The colonial-era Land Acquisition Act, 1894, was replaced by The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR Act), 2013, aiming for a more equitable and transparent process. However, even with the new law, implementation hurdles, delays, and cost overruns continue to plague major infrastructure projects.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The Cabinet Secretary has clarified that the Centre has no intention to amend the LARR Act, 2013. Instead, the focus is on improving the implementation of the existing policy, particularly for large infrastructure projects.

This directive is closely linked to the PM GatiShakti initiative, a national master plan launched in 2021, designed for integrated planning and synchronized execution of infrastructure projects across various ministries to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. A significant review of projects under this initiative underscores the government's commitment to efficient project delivery.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. With reference to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR Act), 2013, consider the following statements: 1. The Act mandates a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for all land acquisitions, irrespective of the purpose. 2. The consent of 80% of affected families is required for land acquisition for private projects, but not for public-private partnership projects. 3. Land acquisition for national security or defence purposes is exempt from the SIA and consent clauses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is incorrect. While SIA is mandated for most acquisitions, certain categories like urgent acquisitions for national security or natural calamities may have exemptions or modified procedures. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Act requires the consent of 80% of affected families for private projects and 70% for public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Act allows for certain exemptions or modifications for urgent acquisitions (including national security), it does not provide a blanket exemption from SIA and consent clauses for all national security/defence purposes. The government can invoke urgency clauses, but the core principles of fair compensation and R&R generally apply, though procedures might be fast-tracked. The 2015 amendment ordinance (which lapsed) had proposed to exempt certain categories, including defence, from SIA and consent, but this was not enacted into law. Thus, under the LARR Act, 2013, as it stands, these exemptions are not absolute.

2. In the context of India's infrastructure development and governance, consider the following statements regarding PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: 1. It is a digital platform that brings together 16 ministries, including Railways and Roadways, for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects. 2. The initiative aims to reduce logistics costs, improve connectivity, and ensure timely completion of projects through a common visual platform. 3. It is primarily focused on urban infrastructure development and does not cover rural connectivity projects. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Statement 1 is correct. PM GatiShakti is indeed a digital platform integrating 16 ministries for synchronized planning. Statement 2 is correct. Its core objectives include reducing logistics costs, improving multi-modal connectivity, and ensuring efficient project execution. Statement 3 is incorrect. PM GatiShakti has a comprehensive scope covering various types of infrastructure, including rural connectivity, industrial corridors, defence corridors, and economic zones, aiming for holistic development across the country.

3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the constitutional position of 'land acquisition' in India?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

The subject of 'land acquisition' is listed under Entry 42 of the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This means both the Parliament and the State Legislatures have the power to enact laws on land acquisition. However, in case of a conflict, a law made by Parliament generally prevails over a state law on the same subject, especially if the state law is repugnant to the central law and has not received presidential assent.