In 2018, Rajasthan government started acquiring land of farmers in Laxmangarh of Sikar district to construct a highway connecting Mukundgarh and Salasar. The 10km bypass road will pass through pasture lands and agriculture lands. Farmers have alleged that government started constructing the road without compensating them. They accused that the highway construction contractor of damaging their standing crops, tube wells without the consent of farmers. When the work did not stop, in February 2018, farmers dug pits on the land and partially buried themselves to lodge a protest. The protest continued for a couple of days and was partially withdrawn after district administration assured of appropriate action into the matter. Farmers had submitted a memorandum to the district administration demanded 10 times compensation for surrendering irrigable land. The other demands include government job for a member of the affected family, free road access to the residents of Laxmangarh tehsil, and a share of the toll collected, alternate houses and tube wells for farmers whose land was being acquired. Sikar district collector Naresh Kumar Thakral told LCW that issues of farmers will be addressed and demands will be looked into before commencing work. An official of Ms Salasar Highways Private Ltd, the firm which maintains the road and corresponding toll plaza said LCW that the road is constructed and is operational. However it is not clear if the demands of the affected villagers are fulfilled.
Demand/Contention of the Affected Community
Refusal to give up land for the project, Demand for more compensation than promised, Demand for compensation
Region Classification
Rural
Type of Land
Both
Type of Common Land
Non-Forest (Grazing Land), Forest and Non-Forest
Has the Conflict Ended?
No
When did it end?
Why did the conflict end?
Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict
Land Acquisition Laws
Legislations/Policies Involved
Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
Section 28 [the parameters that are to be considered in determination of the amount of compensation which includes damage sustained by the person interested and the effect of the acquisition on his earnings], Section 38 [the collector to ensure that the possession of land is taken after ensuring that compensation and rehabilitation and resettlement entitlements are paid within the timelines prescribed in the section]
Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute
What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community? What was the decision of the concerned government department?
Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:
Non-payment of promised compensation, Delay in compensation, Controversial land acquisition by the government , Incorrect estimation of compensation, Violation of LARR Act
Legal Status:
Status of Case In Court
Whether any adjudicatory body was approached
Name of the adjudicatory body
Name(s) of the Court(s)
Case Number
Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:
Whether criminal law was used against protestors
Official name of the criminal law. Did the case reach trial?
Reported Details of the Violation:
Date of Violation
Location of Violation
Nature of Protest
Protests/marches
Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:
NHAI
PSUs Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?
Yes
Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached
Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?
N/A
Name, Designation and Comment of Corporate Authorities Approached
Other Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Kisan Sangarsh Samiti ,Laxmangarh
Documented By
Ashish GaurReviewed By
Ashish GaurUpdated By
Ashish GaurEdited By
Ashish GaurLand Conflict Watch
