Amaravati Land Pooling Phase 2: Farmers to Get Returnable Plots Assured

31 Aug Amaravati Land Pooling Phase 2: Farmers to Get Returnable Plots Assured

✎ Land pooling in Amaravati is a voluntary, farmer-centric urban development mechanism governed by the APCRDA Act, 2014, which ensures the return of developed plots to original landowners based on assessed land value and…

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper II — Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure  |  GS Paper III — Land Reforms in India
• Prelims: Land Pooling Scheme, Amaravati Capital Region, Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, Transfer of Development Rights, Urban Planning and Development
• Essay: The Role of Land Reforms in Balancing Development and Farmer Welfare

Quick Revision: Land pooling in Amaravati is a voluntary, farmer-centric urban development mechanism governed by the APCRDA Act, 2014, which ensures the return of developed plots to original landowners based on assessed land value and development parameters, thereby balancing development imperatives with farmer welfare.

Why is this in the news?

The recent assurance by the District Collector of Guntur to farmers participating in Phase II of the Amaravati land pooling scheme regarding the provision of returnable plots underscores the critical governance challenge of balancing urban development imperatives with farmer livelihoods. This assurance, delivered in a public meeting with local legislators, highlights the procedural and legal complexities involved in land pooling mechanisms, particularly in the context of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority’s (APCRDA) mandate to develop Amaravati as a global city. The development assumes significance given the historical resistance to land acquisition in India and the need for transparent, farmer-centric implementation of such schemes.

Background

• The Amaravati Capital Region was envisioned as the new administrative capital of Andhra Pradesh following the bifurcation of the state in 2014, with land pooling initiated as a key strategy to acquire land without resorting to compulsory acquisition.
• The first phase of the land pooling scheme (2015–2019) involved over 29,000 farmers and resulted in the pooling of approximately 33,000 acres, with returnable plots allotted to participants based on the value of their land.
• The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act, 2014, and subsequent amendments provide the legal framework for land pooling, emphasizing the return of developed plots to original landowners as a key feature.
• The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013, mandates fair compensation and rehabilitation for land acquired for public purposes, though its applicability to land pooling schemes remains a subject of interpretation.
• The Amaravati project has faced legal and political challenges, including a 2020 High Court order directing the state to return pooled lands to farmers if development work did not commence within the stipulated timeframe, which was later stayed by the Supreme Court.
• Land pooling is distinct from compulsory land acquisition, as it relies on voluntary participation and the promise of returnable developed plots, thereby reducing the need for coercive measures.

What is Land Pooling in the Context of Amaravati?

• Land pooling is a voluntary mechanism wherein farmers collectively contribute their land parcels for urban development, with the assurance of receiving developed plots of equivalent or higher value in return.
• In Amaravati, land pooling is governed by the APCRDA Act, 2014, which empowers the authority to pool land for the development of the capital region, including infrastructure, residential, commercial, and institutional zones.
• The scheme operates in phases, with Phase I covering 29 villages and Phase II expanding to additional areas, including Pedaparimi village in Tadikonda mandal, as highlighted in the recent assurance.
• Returnable plots are allotted based on the assessed value of the pooled land, with adjustments made for location, infrastructure development, and market factors, ensuring fairness to farmers.
• The process involves meticulous documentation, physical verification of land boundaries, and the preparation of a master plan to delineate returnable plots, as emphasized by the District Collector in the recent meeting.
• Land pooling reduces the financial burden on the government by leveraging private land contributions, while also providing farmers with developed plots that appreciate in value over time.
• The scheme is designed to avoid the controversies associated with compulsory land acquisition, such as displacement and inadequate compensation, by ensuring voluntary participation and mutual benefit.
• Legal safeguards, including grievance redressal mechanisms and transparent documentation, are integral to the process to address farmer concerns and prevent disputes.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013:
1. The Act mandates the acquisition of land for private companies under the ‘public purpose’ clause.
2. It provides for the return of unutilised land to the original owners after a specified period.
3. The Act requires consent of at least 80% of affected families for land acquisition for private projects.
4. The Act does not apply to land acquired under the land pooling model adopted for Amaravati.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All

Answer: Only two — Statement 1 is correct as the Act allows land acquisition for private companies under ‘public purpose’. Statement 2 is correct as the Act provides for return of unutilised land after five years. Statement 3 is correct as consent of 80% affected families is required for private projects. Statement 4 is incorrect as the Act applies to all land acquisition, including land pooling models.

Q2. Assertion (A): The land pooling model adopted for Amaravati ensures that farmers receive returnable plots of equivalent value.
Reason (R): The model is designed to mitigate displacement risks by guaranteeing land-for-land compensation to original landowners.

Options:
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: ? — Assertion (A) is true as the land pooling model for Amaravati explicitly provides for returnable plots. Reason (R) is also true and correctly explains the mechanism of land-for-land compensation under the model.

Q3. Match the following columns regarding land acquisition and urban development policies in India:

Column I
1. Land Pooling Model
2. Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
3. Land Acquisition Act, 1894
4. Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act

Column II
A. Provides for land-for-land compensation in urban development projects
B. Governs acquisition of land for public purposes, including infrastructure
C. Regulates land use and development in the capital region of Andhra Pradesh
D. Historic legislation replaced by the 2013 Act

Options:
1. 1-A, 2-B, 3-D, 4-C
2. 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D
3. 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
4. 1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A

Answer: ? — 1-A: Land Pooling Model provides land-for-land compensation. 2-B: The 2013 Act governs acquisition for public purposes. 3-D: The Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was replaced by the 2013 Act. 4-C: APCRDA Act regulates land use in the capital region.

Mains Practice Question

✍ The land pooling model adopted for the development of Amaravati represents a paradigm shift in India’s approach to urbanisation and land acquisition. Critically examine the legal, economic, and social dimensions of this model in the context of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Also, analyse the role of stakeholder participation in ensuring the success of such models. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:

1. **Legal Framework and Compliance**:
– Briefly explain the salient features of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act, 2013), including its objectives, consent clauses, and compensation provisions.
– Highlight how the land pooling model aligns with or deviates from the LARR Act, 2013, particularly in terms of ‘public purpose’, consent requirements, and compensation mechanisms.
– Reference the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act, 2014, and its role in facilitating the land pooling model.

2. **Economic and Land Use Dimensions**:
– Discuss the economic rationale behind land pooling, including economies of scale, reduced transaction costs, and equitable distribution of development benefits.
– Analyse the concept of ‘returnable plots’ and its implications for landowners, including the valuation methodology, timelines for allotment, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.
– Critically evaluate the potential for speculative gains or losses for landowners and the long-term sustainability of the model.

3. **Social and Stakeholder Dimensions**:
– Examine the role of stakeholder participation in the land pooling process, including the mechanisms for grievance redressal, transparency in documentation, and community engagement.
– Discuss the challenges in ensuring equitable participation, particularly for marginalised or small landholders, and the role of local institutions (e.g., gram sabhas, district collectors).
– Reference the recent assurances by the District Collector (C.M. Saikanth Varma) regarding document verification and grievance redressal to illustrate the importance of institutional mechanisms.

4. **Comparative Perspective and Lessons**:
– Compare the Amaravati land pooling model with other urban development models in India (e.g., Delhi Development Authority’s land pooling policy, Gujarat’s Town Planning Scheme).
– Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the model, including its replicability in other states and the potential for conflicts over land titles or compensation.

5. **Conclusion**:
– Summarise the key findings and provide a balanced view on the model’s potential to balance developmental goals with landowner rights.
– Suggest measures to enhance the model’s effectiveness, such as strengthening land records, improving transparency, and ensuring timely compensation.

Source: The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh PCS (APPSC) — State PCS Practice

Prelims: Which of the following is a key assurance given by the Collector to farmers regarding the Amaravati land pooling phase two in Andhra Pradesh?

1. A. Permanent ownership of pooled land to the government
2. B. Returnable plots to farmers after development
3. C. Immediate cash compensation at market rates
4. D. Conversion of pooled land into industrial zones

Answer: B. Returnable plots to farmers after development — The Collector assured farmers of returnable plots after development under the Amaravati land pooling phase two.

Mains: Discuss the significance of the ‘returnable plots’ assurance for farmers in the context of Amaravati land pooling phase two. Analyze its potential impact on agricultural productivity and socio-economic conditions in Andhra Pradesh.

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