The latest changes to the land acquisition law in India was brought in the year _____. 

The correct answer is '2013'

Key Points

• Land Acquisition Law in India:
  • The latest changes to the land acquisition law in India were brought through the enactment of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
  • This law replaced the colonial-era Land Acquisition Act of 1894, addressing widespread concerns about forced land acquisitions and inadequate compensation.
  • The 2013 Act aimed to ensure fair compensation, transparency, and rehabilitation for those affected by land acquisitions. It emphasized the consent of landowners and social impact assessments before acquiring land.
  • Key provisions included mandatory consent from 70% of affected families in the case of public-private partnership projects and 80% for private projects, along with a comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement plan.
  • The Act also laid down stricter timelines for completing land acquisition processes to avoid delays and disputes.

Additional Information

• Overview of Incorrect Options:
  • Option 1 (2012): This year saw discussions and debates about reforming land acquisition laws, but the final legislation was passed in 2013. Hence, 2012 is not the correct answer.
  • Option 2 (2015): In 2015, the government proposed amendments to the 2013 Act to simplify the acquisition process for certain categories of projects. However, these amendments faced opposition and were not fully implemented. The core law remains the 2013 Act.
  • Option 3 (2020): No significant changes to the land acquisition law were made in 2020. Discussions on land reforms and related issues continued, but no new legislation replaced or significantly altered the 2013 Act.
• Importance of the 2013 Act:
  • The 2013 Act marked a progressive shift in land acquisition laws by prioritizing the rights and welfare of affected individuals and ensuring transparency in the process.
  • It addressed longstanding grievances related to arbitrary land acquisitions and inadequate compensation under the 1894 Act.