In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has made the decision to amend the Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Act of 1977. This amendment will grant full rights to individuals who have been in possession of government-assigned lands for a period exceeding 20 years. The decision comes as a progressive move towards empowering the rightful occupants and ensuring their ownership rights.

Under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Act of 1977, land previously assigned by the government to landless individuals for cultivation or housing purposes were strictly prohibited from being transferred. These assigned lands lacked any inherent rights or titles, leaving the occupants without legal ownership over the land.

State information and public relations minister Ch Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna told reporters after the meeting, “Now, the state cabinet decided to amend the act by allowing the people to sell or mortgage or transfer the assigned lands, but only after enjoying the property for a period of more than 20 years.”

Similar facilities would be given to the low-lying lands in the islands of coastal Andhra. “In case of death of original beneficiaries, their legal heirs would get the full rights. This will benefit 66,111 persons who are in control of 63,191.84 acres of assigned lands,” the minister stated.

In a significant announcement, the cabinet has finalized plans to conduct a bhoomi puja on July 24 for the construction of 47,000 houses for impoverished individuals. These houses will be built on 1366 acres of land in the R-5 zone of the Amaravati capital region, falling under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority. The estimated expenditure for this project is ₹5,000 crore.

Furthermore, the cabinet has made the decision to exclude Inam (gift) lands from the prohibited list as outlined in Section 22-A. This decision will bring about positive outcomes for approximately 1,13,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, the cabinet has approved the waiver of loans provided to Dalit communities for the purchase of 16,213 acres of land under the Land Purchase Scheme before the state's bifurcation.

As a result, these individuals will now possess complete rights over the aforementioned lands. The minister expressed these developments, highlighting the empowerment and benefits that will be extended to the concerned parties.

As per the welfare calendar, the cabinet has announced the release of funds for several welfare schemes. On July 18, funds will be allocated for the Jagananna Thodu scheme, followed by Nethanna Nestam on July 22, Sunna Vaddi on July 26, and Videshi Vidya Deevena on July 28.

In another notable decision, the state cabinet has approved an increase in the retirement age for professors working in educational institutions, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. The retirement age will be raised from 62 to 65. Similarly, in the endowment department, the retirement age will be increased from 60 to 62.

Furthermore, the cabinet has granted approval for all temple priests to continue their profession without any mandatory retirement age. This decision ensures that temple priests can serve in their roles for as long as they are capable and willing.

Image source: HT