Lakhs of farmers poor families and landowners in Andhra Pradesh are asking, “Is my land really mine?” They feel that a system that once helped the own land has now been weakened by the current government. Many say that millions of acres have been locked under the 22A prohibited land list making it hard for farmers to get things done. They blame the government for interfering, causing land disputes and delaying registrations.
Land Administration Under Scrutiny
22A Restrictions Lock Up Over 20 Lakh Acres
The opposition says that the government has put over 20 lakh acres of land under the 22A prohibited list since it came to power. This includes 13.59 lakh acres of freehold land 2.06 lakh acres of lands 1.39 lakh acres of service inam lands and thousands of acres of patta and unassigned lands.
The YSR Congress Party says that lands that were previously freed from restrictions by former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have been reclassified under the 22A list for reasons. Now many farmers can’t sell, transfer or register their lands even though they own them.
Are Freehold Rights Being Reversed?
One big issue is rights given to poor farmers. The previous government gave ownership rights to thousands of families from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and minority communities over lands they had cultivated for over 20 years.
Critics say that after the government changed these freehold lands were marked as irregular and put back under the 22A prohibited list. Opposition leaders ask why the government hasn’t proven that there were irregularities and why its still restricting landholders rights after two years.
Government Claims vs Reality
The government says its removing lands from the 22A list and solving problems.. Landowners say issues persist.
Many land registrations are still stuck land records have mistakes and delays in processing have left farmers struggling to secure ownership rights. The large number of people visiting district collectorates every Monday to resolve land-related issues shows that challenges continue.
Political Debate Over Land Reforms and Re-Survey
The land re- initiative launched by the previous government in 2019 is another area of debate. The program used satellite imagery, drones and GPS technology to modernize land records.
Supporters say it helped stop land grabbing and document forgery.. Opposition leaders claim that the current government initially criticized and slowed down the program before resuming it and presenting it as its own achievement.
Centre Recognized Andhra Pradesh’s Land Record Reforms
Andhra Pradeshs digital land records were recognized nationally by the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The state was awarded Platinum Grading. Received ₹500 crore for its performance.
YSRCP leaders say this recognition was due to reforms implemented by the government. They argue that while the current government benefits from those achievements it has weakened the reforms that earned the state recognition.
Land Locked, Rights Questioned
For a farmer land is not an asset – it’s a source of livelihood and security. The growing controversy over the 22A prohibited list, freehold land rights and stalled registrations has sparked debate across Andhra Pradesh.
While the government highlights efforts to free lands from restrictions critics point to the continued inclusion of lakhs of acres under limitations. The question “Is my land mine?” has become a powerful symbol of concerns surrounding land rights and governance in the state. Whether the government will restore confidence through reforms. Allow disputes to persist is a significant political issue, in Andhra Pradesh.
