Telangana Staff Associations Object to Ministers Blaming Them for 22-A Land Row

HYDERABAD — Employee associations in Telangana have strongly objected to statements made by state ministers blaming government officials and staff for the ongoing controversy surrounding prohibited Category 22-A land lists across multiple districts.

The row erupted after several land and property owners raised serious concerns over their assets being placed in the prohibited category under Section 22-A, leaving many running from pillar to post to secure denotifications for their properties.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy admitted the administrative error during a press conference on Monday and offered an apology to affected property owners. He stated that all District Collectors had continued using outdated copies of the prohibited land lists, calling it a mistake on the part of officials that caused significant hardships to citizens.

The controversy escalated on Tuesday when Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy alleged that officials who held key positions during the previous administration might have deliberately placed properties under Section 22-A to tarnish the current government's reputation. Announcing plans for a comprehensive inquiry into the list, Venkat Reddy also stated that he had alerted Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy four months ago regarding 42,000 acres in Yadagirigutta being included in the prohibited registry.

These statements have drawn sharp criticism from employee bodies. A member of the Telangana Employees Sangham stated that employees strictly follow government instructions and would not undertake actions that could risk their employment. Representatives questioned how the issue could emerge across multiple districts if it were merely the unauthorized act of a few individuals, asking what remedial steps the state administration took after being alerted months ago.

Revenue Department employees noted that the Stamps and Registration Department had requested information last October regarding properties tied up in court cases and related disputes. Staff had compiled and submitted the data in the exact proforma requested by authorities. Representatives emphasized that if systemic issues are emerging now, blaming field-level employees unfairly shifts responsibility away from broader administrative oversight.