No Eligible Person Will Face Injustice Over 22A Lands: Telangana Minister Ponguleti
Hyderabad, Aug. 5 (TNT): Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Wednesday said no eligible landholder or poor person would face injustice due to inclusion of lands under Section 22A of the Registration Act, and directed officials to ensure a fair and transparent process while dealing with prohibited lands.
The Minister said the State Government’s policy was to protect the rights of genuine landholders while safeguarding government lands.
He clarified that after the government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy assumed office, not even a single cent of land had been newly added to the 22A prohibited list.
Addressing a review meeting at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, the Minister examined issues related to 22A prohibited lands within the HYDRAA (CURE) limits, including public complaints, media reports, High Court directions and government policies.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Special Secretary V. Sheshadri, Revenue Department Principal Secretary D.S. Lokesh Kumar, Inspector General of Stamps and Registration Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu, Collectors of Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Sangareddy districts, the Additional Collector of Medchal-Malkajgiri, and senior officials.
Ponguleti said the instructions issued during the meeting would apply to all District Collectors, Revenue officials and Stamps and Registration officials across Telangana.
Directing officials to follow the government’s approach on 22A lands, the Minister said each case should be examined individually based on factual evidence, official records and applicable legal provisions before taking a decision.
He instructed officials to conduct comprehensive scrutiny of lands included in the prohibited list, identify properties eligible for removal from restrictions and ensure decisions are taken through transparent procedures.
The Minister directed officials to dispose of all applications and complaints related to 22A lands within the prescribed timeframe.
He instructed authorities at the levels of Tahsildars, Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs), Sub-Collectors and District Collectors to examine applications thoroughly and resolve eligible cases in favour of genuine claimants.
He also asked officials to give priority to applications received through Praja Vani and complete inquiries at the earliest.
Referring to the 45-day deadline prescribed by the High Court, Ponguleti directed officials to complete procedures related to disputes over 22A lands within the stipulated period and take final decisions in accordance with court directions.
The Minister reiterated that protection of government lands remained a key responsibility of the administration and instructed officials to remain vigilant against illegal transactions, unauthorised registrations and encroachments.
He said District Collectors have the authority to conduct detailed examinations and take final decisions on lands listed under Section 22A, while maintaining a balance between protecting citizens’ rights and safeguarding government interests.
TNT TS
