Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti presented official records, registration data and video evidence in the Assembly to dismiss BRS‑BJP claims over the 22‑A prohibited land list. He disclosed that the Congress‑led government trimmed the list by 47,440 acres.
- 22‑A list reduced by 47,440 acres
- Congress government cut the list from 1,02,52,690 to 1,02,05,250 acres
- Ponguleti accuses several BRS leaders of illegal benefits
Historical Background
Introduced in 2007, the Section 22‑A of the Registrations Act was designed to block registration of prohibited lands. The system originated in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and continued under the BRS regime in Telangana.
Current Status of the 22‑A List
Ponguleti stated that after assuming office on December 7, 2023, the total land under the 22‑A list fell from 1,02,52,690 acres to 1,02,05,250 acres as of August 31, 2026—a reduction of 47,440 acres. The figures were released after correcting online data errors flagged by the High Court.
Impact on Revenue
Rejecting opposition claims that the list hurt registration revenue, the minister highlighted a rise of ₹1,359 crore in the first five months of FY 2026‑27. Revenue grew from ₹6,216 crore (Apr‑Aug 2025) to ₹7,575 crore (same period 2026).
Allegations Against the BRS
The minister alleged that the previous BRS government facilitated irregularities through the Dharani portal, citing cases in Siddipet, Medak and Rangareddy where Bhoodan, assigned and government lands were re‑classified. He named BRS MLA Harish Rao’s father, MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and others as illegal beneficiaries.
Data Corrections and Court Directions
Following a High Court order, the government reorganised the 22‑A list into categories A‑E and published it on December 3, 2025. Errors inherited from earlier records were rectified, and a dedicated call‑centre was set up for grievance redressal.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the reduction in prohibited land not only boosts investor confidence but also signals a shift in land‑governance philosophy, potentially reshaping Telangana’s real‑estate market for years to come.
"A transparent implementation of Section 22‑A can unlock long‑term revenue growth for the state," said land‑policy expert Dr. Anjali Roy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Does the reduction mean all disputed lands can now be registered?
Answer: No, only lands that meet the High Court’s criteria will be eligible for re‑registration.
Question 2: What steps will prevent similar data errors in the future?
Answer: The government has instituted a continuous data‑verification team and a public grievance portal.