Introduction
Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R\&R) in land acquisition ensure that families affected by compulsory acquisition are not left without support. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act) introduced a humane framework for land acquisition. Chapters V and VI of the Act lay down procedures for preparing and implementing R\&R schemes, declaring awards, and ensuring long-term support for displaced persons. The aim is to provide fairness, dignity, and stability to families who lose land, homes, or livelihoods due to development projects.
What Is The R\&R Scheme under Chapter V
Chapter V of the Act requires the appointment of an Administrator for Rehabilitation and Resettlement. This official identifies affected families and conducts surveys to understand the impact of acquisition. The Administrator prepares a draft R\&R scheme that outlines compensation, housing, employment support, and other entitlements. The scheme is not imposed unilaterally. Public hearings take place in the affected area, and families can raise objections or provide feedback. Based on these inputs, the draft scheme can be modified before final approval.
The Administrator also oversees implementation. Continuous monitoring, progress reviews, and post-implementation audits ensure that the promises made under the R\&R scheme actually reach families. This process reflects the principle of transparency, which the 2013 Act strongly promotes. Unlike earlier laws, the RFCTLARR Act places rehabilitation and resettlement at the core of acquisition rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Declaration and Award under Chapter VI
Once the R\&R scheme receives approval, the acquiring authority issues a formal declaration of land acquisition under Chapter VI. This declaration also includes a summary of entitlements under the R\&R scheme. The acquiring body, whether government or private, must deposit the full cost of acquisition before moving forward. The Collector then prepares and announces the R\&R award for each affected family. The award details the exact amount of compensation, the alternative land or house allotted, and any other specific benefits.
For displaced families, the award often includes a residential house site, financial compensation for lost agricultural land, and additional support for reskilling or livelihood generation. The Act also makes special provisions for vulnerable groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and landless families. These provisions reflect the inclusive character of the 2013 Act, which recognizes that displacement often has a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups.
Applicability of R\&R
The law extends R\&R obligations even to acquisitions carried out through private negotiation if they cross certain thresholds. If a private entity acquires more than fifty acres in urban areas or more than two hundred acres in rural areas, it must also provide R\&R benefits to affected families. This provision prevents misuse of voluntary sales and ensures that large-scale private projects also follow fair and humane standards.
The Act also addresses fraudulent claims. If any person makes false claims to R\&R entitlements, the law allows recovery of benefits. Another important safeguard is the “return of unused land” clause. If acquired land remains unused for five years, it must be returned to the original owners or transferred to the state’s Land Bank. This ensures that acquisition takes place only for genuine public purposes and not for speculative reasons.
Benefits of R\&R
Rehabilitation under the Act goes beyond financial compensation. It includes housing, livelihood support, employment opportunities, and skill development programs. Resettlement involves providing alternative land and housing in a planned manner, allowing families to integrate into new communities without social or economic disruption. The law emphasizes consultation with local bodies and continuous audits to maintain transparency.
When acquisition exceeds one hundred acres, the Act mandates the creation of Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committees. These committees include local representatives and government officials. They monitor implementation and conduct social audits, ensuring accountability at every stage. This participatory model reflects the shift from a top-down approach to a rights-based framework.
Importance of Rehabilitation and Resettlement
The introduction of R\&R under the 2013 Act marked a major reform in India’s land acquisition framework. Earlier, compensation focused mainly on monetary value of land. Families often faced displacement without social or economic support. The 2013 Act changed this by linking land acquisition with dignity, livelihood security, and sustainable development. It aligns with constitutional guarantees of equality and social justice and reflects principles laid down by the Supreme Court in several judgments stressing fair treatment of displaced persons.
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Conclusion
Rehabilitation and Resettlement in land acquisition under Chapters V and VI of the RFCTLARR Act provide a comprehensive framework to protect the rights of affected families. The law ensures that displaced persons receive fair compensation, housing, and livelihood opportunities. It creates mechanisms for transparency, consultation, and accountability. By making R\&R central to land acquisition, the Act balances the need for development with the rights of citizens. It promotes humane governance, prevents exploitation, and sets a benchmark for socially responsible development in India.
