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• Rehabilitation Package for Displaced Persons

• The land acquisition for National Highways is done under the provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956 which involves due consultation with the stake holders as per the provisions of the Act. Highways are linear projects that involve widening of existing roads and opening of new road for bypasses, and have a long and narrow corridor of impact. The linear acquisition of land results in minimal displacement of families and loss of livelihood. On the other hand, development of highways results in the socio-economic development of the area, ultimately benefiting the local population.

• Relevant provisions of National Policy on Rehabilitation and Resettlement, 2007 in relation to Land Acquisition of National Highways provides that in case of linear acquisitions, in projects relating to railway lines, highways, transmission lines, laying of pipelines and other such projects wherein only a narrow stretch of land is acquired for the purpose of the project is utilized for right of ways, each khatedar in the affected family shall be offered by the acquiring body an ex-gratia payment of such amount as the appropriate Government may decide but not less than twenty thousand rupees, in addition to the compensation or any other benefits due under the Act or programme or scheme under which the land, house or other property is acquired. Provided that, if as a result of such land acquisition, the land-holder becomes landless or is reduced to the status of a ‘small’ or ‘marginal’ farmer, other rehabilitation and resettlement benefits available under this policy shall also be extended to such affected family.

• This information was given by the Minister of State of Road Transport and Highways Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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