CM’s land reforms a paradigm shift in AP’s governance JAVVADI LAKSHMANA RAO

In an unprecedented move, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has orchestrated a monumental transformation by granting ownership of land to over 2.24 million underprivileged citizens across Andhra Pradesh, encompassing an astounding 3.54 million acres. This visionary initiative signifies a commitment to social justice, addressing historical inequities, and setting a new standard in land administration reforms.
Chief Minister Reddy’s historic measure, announced during a momentous distribution of land documents at Nuzvid in Eluru district on November 17, marks a paradigm shift in governance. “No other state has done as much as Andhra Pradesh in introducing reforms in land administration,” declared Jagan Reddy with pride.
The comprehensive approach of this groundbreaking initiative includes granting full ownership rights to beneficiaries of assigned lands, village service Inam lands, and LPS lands. Notably, Inam lands, previously lacking proper ownership documents, are now included, allowing for their resale or mortgage. The beneficiaries span across Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, the impoverished, the landless, and ex-servicemen.
Chief Minister Mohan Reddy’s commitment is exemplified through concrete actions, such as the distribution of 46,463 acres of assigned land to 42,307 individuals, lease deeds for 17,768 people on 9,064 acres of riverside lands, and the allocation of 951 acres to Dalit burial grounds in 1,563 villages. These measures emphasise an inclusive approach, ensuring marginaszed communities actively participate in the state’s progress.
Strategic policy amendments complement this transformative vision, guaranteeing formal title deeds for farmers completing 20 years of land assignment, totaling over 2.74 million acres. Additionally, the decision to waive loans for 22,346 farmers who purchased lands under LPS demonstrates a compassionate understanding of grassroots financial struggles.
Beyond land distribution, Chief Minister Reddy highlighted the broader benefits, including the issuance of permanent title deeds to 1.75 million farmers and the resolution of 45,000 boundary disputes through land resurveys under the YSR Jagananna Saswatha Bhu Hakku Bhu Raksha programme.
Over 53 months, the Andhra government, under Chief Minister Reddy’s stewardship, resolved the dotted lands issue for 107,134 farmers and granted Record of Forest Rights (RoFR) pattas to 130,368 tribal farmers, bestowing ownership of over 287,710 acres. Furthermore, 26,287 tribal individuals received Darakastu (DKT) pattas, reclaiming ownership of 39,272 acres.
Chief Minister Reddy’s initiative is not just a policy change; it signifies a transformative shift in the land revenue system, ushering in fair land distribution and bestowing full ownership rights. The state’s swift response positions Andhra Pradesh as a model of progressive governance. The amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Act, 1977, underscores the commitment to empowering those in possession of government-assigned lands for over two decades.
The official grant of titles not only provides a tangible asset but opens avenues for economic growth, allowing owners to avail loans for property development. Chief Minister Reddy’s financial commitment to DBT schemes, despite fiscal stress, demonstrates a focus on the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, and minorities.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s visionary leadership in implementing these groundbreaking land reforms deserves accolades. His commitment to inclusive development, social justice, and the welfare of the underprivileged sets a precedent for transformative governance guided by empathy and unwavering dedication.