UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — How land pooling solves acquisition woes

Q1. With reference to land pooling frameworks in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act was enacted in 1976. 2. The Rajasthan Land Pooling Schemes Act was enacted in 2016. 3. Under the DDA Land Pooling Policy, 60% of the pooled land is returned to the owners when the pooled land is 20 hectares or above. 4. The DDA Land Pooling Policy was notified under the provisions of the Master Plan for Delhi 2041. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act was enacted in 1976.
  2. The Rajasthan Land Pooling Schemes Act was enacted in 2016.
  3. Under the DDA Land Pooling Policy, 60% of the pooled land is returned to the owners when the pooled land is 20 hectares or above.
  4. The DDA Land Pooling Policy was notified under the provisions of the Master Plan for Delhi 2041.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. With reference to the differences between traditional land acquisition under the LARR Act, 2013 and the land pooling mechanism, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike LARR-based acquisition, land pooling returns reconstituted developed plots to the original landowners in a fixed ratio. 2. The LARR Act, 2013 mandates compensation of four times the market value in rural areas and two times the market value in urban areas, in contrast to land pooling where developed plots — rather than monetary compensation — are the primary instrument of restitution. 3. Unlike the LARR Act, 2013 which is a Central enactment, land pooling in India is governed by a single dedicated Central legislation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike LARR-based acquisition, land pooling returns reconstituted developed plots to the original landowners in a fixed ratio.
  2. The LARR Act, 2013 mandates compensation of four times the market value in rural areas and two times the market value in urban areas, in contrast to land pooling where developed plots — rather than monetary compensation — are the primary instrument of restitution.
  3. Unlike the LARR Act, 2013 which is a Central enactment, land pooling in India is governed by a single dedicated Central legislation.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to land pooling frameworks in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Gujarat model operationalises land pooling through a two-stage Development Plan and Town Planning Scheme process. 2. Under the DDA Land Pooling Policy, when the pooled land is between 2 and 20 hectares, 48% of the developed land is returned to the landowners. 3. The Rajasthan Land Pooling Schemes (Amendment) Rules, 2026 amend the Rajasthan Land Pooling Schemes Rules, 2020. 4. The earliest statutory framework for Town Planning Schemes in India was the Madras Town Planning Act, 1915. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified?

  1. The Gujarat model operationalises land pooling through a two-stage Development Plan and Town Planning Scheme process.
  2. Under the DDA Land Pooling Policy, when the pooled land is between 2 and 20 hectares, 48% of the developed land is returned to the landowners.
  3. The Rajasthan Land Pooling Schemes (Amendment) Rules, 2026 amend the Rajasthan Land Pooling Schemes Rules, 2020.
  4. The earliest statutory framework for Town Planning Schemes in India was the Madras Town Planning Act, 1915.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q4. Which one of the following is the earliest statutory framework enacted in India to enable Town Planning Schemes — the precursor to modern land pooling?

  • A. Bombay Town Planning Act, 1915
  • B. United Provinces Town Improvement Act, 1919
  • C. Madras Town Planning Act, 1920
  • D. Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976

Q5. Under the simplified Land Pooling Policy for Delhi, which one of the following is designated as the sole facilitator and planner for implementation of the scheme?

  • A. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
  • B. Delhi Development Authority
  • C. Municipal Corporation of Delhi
  • D. National Capital Region Planning Board