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As criticism over the rampant inclusion of old properties in the list of prohibited category under Section 22-A turned into rage against the ruling Congress party, the government tendered an apology for the “hardships faced by a few people”.Downloading Interactive Geographic Maps
The apology came during a press conference of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who threw the blame on the district collectors. He maintained that all District Collectors had continued to use old copies of the prohibited land lists. “This is definitely a mistake by our officials. I admit a few people faced hardships and I apologise to them,” he said at a press conference here on Monday.
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The Minister said ordinary citizens had faced hardships because official records were not updated. Details of lands that had been removed from the prohibited list following High Court orders were not reflected in the records. As a result, those properties continued to remain on the prohibited list.
Srinivas Reddy said a high-level committee would be constituted to resolve issues related to Section 22-A prohibited lands in the State. The committee would meet every week to review applications and other related issues and take decisions.
A toll-free number, 1800 5994788, has also been set up to provide information on prohibited lands. He said anyone providing information would receive a response within three days and appropriate action would be taken on the complaint.
“In cases where registration cannot be processed, the people will be informed of the clear reasons. Further, if registration fee has already been paid, it will be refunded in accordance with the rules,” Srinivas Reddy said.
He said a comprehensive report would be prepared on Bhoodan lands in the State. The report would cover pending issues, disputes and methods for resolving them. The Minister said the Urban Land Ceiling list was being rectified. Orders had been issued to take appropriate action within two days to ensure justice for rightful owners.
