Cabinet okays fair land compensation

Thiruvananthapuram: The cabinet on Wednesday approved the rules framed by the state government based on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (RFCTLARR).

The new rules provide for more compensation and better rehabilitation compared to what is prescribed in the centre's law, through negotiations and without delay. The cabinet also decided to approve the new land acquisition policy of the state.

After RFCTLARR Act came into being in 2014 , the state’s Land Acquisition Act 1894 became null and void. However, under the 109 clause of the central Act, the states were given powers to frame their own rules for implementing the Act. Based on this, the  Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Kerala) Rules 2014 draft rules were framed and examined by the law department.

The objectives of the rules are  to provide reasonable compensation, avoid legal hassles, include employment stakehold in rehabilitation package,  disburse compensation before the acquisition of land, implement rehabilitation and resettlement programmes, including infrastructure amenities within 18 months of the date of publication of draft declaration.

The rules will also ensure transparency in all matters related to land acquisition and  conduct social impact assessment as and when required. Rehabilitation committees will  be set up under district collectors.  Steps to acquire land will be taken by this committee.

A state-level empowered committee will also be formed which will be headed by the chief secretary. This panel will examine the district-level recommendations and return the same, followed by issuance of notice to land owners within 15 days and details will be intimated. If necessary,  the district committee can again approach the state committee. The compensation will be credited in their bank accounts. For acquisition of land, prior sanction will have to be taken from owners.