West Bengal's Land Policy Delays Border Fencing: MHA Informs Supreme Court in 2023
Ministry of Home Affairs highlights state's non-adoption of LARR Act 2013 for land acquisition.
Source: The HinduIn December 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Supreme Court that the West Bengal government's land policy has caused delays in border fencing projects. The MHA stated that West Bengal has not adopted the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013. This Act is crucial for acquiring land for public purposes, including national security projects like border fencing. The lack of adoption of this central law by the state government has created hurdles in acquiring necessary land, thereby impeding the progress of vital infrastructure development along the
- On December 11, 2023, the MHA submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court regarding border fencing delays.
- The MHA cited West Bengal's non-adoption of the LARR Act, 2013, as a primary reason for the delays.
- The LARR Act, 2013, facilitates land acquisition for public purposes, including national security projects.
- Border fencing is a critical infrastructure project for national security and managing international borders.
- The issue highlights the challenges in implementing central projects when state land policies differ or are not aligned.
This Act regulates land acquisition in India, providing for fair compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement of affected persons. It replaced the colonial-era Land Acquisition Act, 1894, aiming for a more transparent and humane process for acquiring land for public purposes.
Established in 1947, the MHA is a ministry of the Government of India. Its primary responsibility is to maintain internal security and domestic policy. It is also responsible for border management, disaster management, and Centre-State relations. Its headquarters are in New Delhi.
Established on January 26, 1950, the Supreme Court is the highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. It is located in New Delhi and has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions.
Questions often focus on the Land Acquisition Act, its provisions, and the division of powers between central and state governments regarding land and national security.
Remember LARR Act (Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement) as the 'LARGe' Act for land, crucial for 'LARGe' projects like border fencing.