Ponguleti Asks Collectors To Regularise Land Within One Month

In a major relief to property owners affected by GO 59, the Telangana government has directed district collectors to clear pending applications for regularisation of government land measuring 500 square yards or less under GO 59 within a month.

Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said on Friday said the decision is part of the assurances given by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in the Legislative Assembly to resolve long-pending issues relating to Section 22-A of the Registration Act. The government has so far issued seven orders, including the constitution of a high-level committee, to address various problems associated with properties listed under Section 22-A.

After reviewing the issue with senior officials in the Secretariat on Friday, Srinivas Reddy said the government had issued Memo No. 48030 in accordance with GOs 14, 22, 29 and 41, directing collectors to dispose of pending applications under GO 59 within 30 days.

The minister said officials had been instructed to scrutinise the original land records, eligibility of applicants, extent of land sought to be regularised and other relevant aspects thoroughly before taking a decision. Any irregularities or violations of rules found during the scrutiny should be examined and dealt with in accordance with the existing norms, he said, stressing that eligible applicants should receive justice without any room for errors.

He said the implementation of GO 59 had been suspended after irregularities in some cases during the previous BRS government. He also said that officials should ensure that such lapses were not repeated, adding that cases in which conveyance deeds had already been issued should also be examined comprehensively.

Several applications submitted under GO 59 had remained pending for years for various reasons, forcing ordinary people with small house plots and other properties to make repeated visits to government offices. The government is committed to resolving such long-standing public grievances, he added.

Applications involving matters pending before courts and disputed properties would be decided only in accordance with the directions issued by the respective courts, the minister clarified.

The minister said the government is taking steps to resolve 10 to 12 categories of issues linked to Section 22-A on a fast-track basis.