Harish Rao Demands White Paper on Land Added to Section 22-A Prohibited List

BRS Deputy Floor Leader T Harish Rao on Monday demanded that the Telangana government release a white paper on all lands added to the Section 22-A prohibited list since December 7, 2023. Speaking to media persons in Hyderabad, he accused the Congress administration led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of turning the provision into a tool of harassment and corruption.

Harish Rao alleged that properties are being placed under the prohibited list without proper verification, including established localities such as Srinagar Colony and the Banjara Hills Housing Society. He noted that properties cleared years ago under the Urban Land Ceiling Act were being brought back under restrictions, causing distress to long-time residents and property owners.

Harish Rao highlighted that the Urban Land Ceiling Act was repealed across the country in 1999, and the then Andhra Pradesh government led by Y S Rajasekhara Reddy withdrew its applicability in the state in 2008. He questioned the basis on which lands already cleared of ceiling restrictions were being listed under Section 22-A.

Pointing to specific areas, the former minister said properties in Survey Nos. 8 and 9 of Srinagar Colony, where residents have lived for decades, have been affected. He said even apartment flats purchased approximately 30 years ago were subjected to Section 22-A restrictions, creating uncertainty for ordinary citizens.

He further pointed out that properties that had previously obtained official No Objection Certificates from the government and secured bank loans were now on the list, creating issues for both owners and financial institutions. He noted that even the Chief Minister's residence was reportedly reflected on the prohibited list before authorities took notice.

Beyond land issues, Harish Rao criticised the government over the implementation of the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme. He alleged that more than one lakh applications remained pending and that assistance was being delayed for families even after weddings had concluded, resulting in a decline in the number of beneficiaries despite rising demand.

Harish Rao also alleged that power was being concentrated within a small circle around the Chief Minister, functioning for a select group rather than the broader public. He stated that whenever he raised documented questions regarding administrative issues, the Chief Minister resorted to personal attacks rather than providing answers.