Assam Assembly Approves Key Land Acquisition Bill and Related Legislation
Significant Legislative Developments in Assam
File image of Assam Assembly in session. (Photo:PTI)
Guwahati, July 28: The Assam Legislative Assembly has successfully passed 'The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2026'. This legislation aims to streamline the land acquisition process for essential infrastructure and development initiatives, alongside the introduction of four additional Bills concerning land and revenue regulations.
During the session on Monday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta presented the Bill, highlighting that the amendments are designed to expedite the execution of projects deemed vital for public welfare while ensuring that only the necessary land is acquired.
The amendment provides exemptions for specific project categories from certain provisions of the original Act. These categories encompass initiatives related to national security and defense, rural infrastructure, affordable housing, state-developed industrial areas and estates, industrial corridors, and urban development projects near airports, including Aero City initiatives.
Mahanta further explained that the Bill proposes modifications to Section 40 of the Act, enabling the government to activate urgency provisions for land acquisition in response to natural disasters or emergencies declared by the State government.
He also informed the Assembly that the State Cabinet had endorsed the proposed amendments during its meeting on July 10.
In addition to the land acquisition amendment, the Assembly approved 'The Assam Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026', which was introduced by Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.
Earlier in the session, Mahanta presented four additional bills, including 'The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Registration (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2026', and 'The Indian Stamp (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2026'.
The Assembly also considered 'The Majuli University of Culture (Amendment) Bill, 2026', introduced by Higher Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.