Proposed framework for empanelment of organizations and individual experts for conducting social impact assessment in land acquisitions

As per the requirements of Section 4(1) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, it is mandatory to conduct SIA and prepare a Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for acquisition of land (a) by the government for its own use, hold and/or control, or for public–private partnership projects or (b) by any private organization for public/industrial use. It is recognized that states require an empanelled list of organizations and experts for conducting SIA. This document aims to streamline the process of empanelment in every state by providing a uniform and robust process that draws in a pool of expertise to conduct a fair and just process of assessment in cases of land acquisitions, resettlement and rehabilitation. SIA is an instrument that helps assess and determine the implications of land acquisition on the affected community and people. An SIA helps minimize the risks involved in displacement, rehabilitation, compensation and resettlement. It guides the agency acquiring the land to plan in an informed manner, thus saving costs and ensuring timely completion of projects and, therefore, reducing the risks involved in delay.