The draft rules for the state government’s land pooling scheme released on Friday enhance landlords’ rights over their property acquired for infrastructure projects. The government launched the scheme two years ago to acquire land for housing and infrastructure projects.
The rules state that the planning authority shall, where possible, promote the formation of committees to explain the scheme to owners of lands and buildings, and discuss and consult with them when the number of people likely to be affected by the scheme is more than 100. The planning authority should take into consideration all suggestions made and objections raised and hold land surveys and ownership verification meetings, as may be required.
The rules deal with multiple issues relating to land pooling, including for industries. For developing industrial parks by government agencies such as SIPCOT or SIDCO, constitution of a special purpose vehicle to govern the scheme should be considered. All or part of land can be marketed by the government, SIPCOT or SIDCO and the benefits from such sales can be shared with the land owners, instead of returning the unused portions to the land owners, the rules said.
The rules further said if the landlord is not found, the land acquisition notice can be left at his last known place of abode or business or given to some adult member or servant of his family. “At such meetings, the proposed scheme shall be generally described and explained and a minute of each meeting shall be maintained for record,” the rules added.