NE NEWS SERVICE
AMARAVATI, FEB 22
Setting aside the rumours on the alleged irregularities in the land acquisition for the Pedhalandhariki illu scheme, the District Collectors affirmed that there were no irregularities and due process and procedures were followed in acquiring the land which would be given to the homeless poor on Ugadi day.
Speaking to media on Saturday, Srikakulam district collector J Nivas said of the required 1,380 acres about 1,130 acres of government is available and the remaining 250 acres was acquired in accordance with the Land Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR Act) 2013.
‘The 250 acres of land was acquired only after taking the consent from farmers. As per the norms Gram Sabhas were conducted and apart from the existing 60,000 members, additionally, 48,250 members were given with Possession Certificates so that they will have the right on the land.
Meanwhile, Prakasam district collector Pola Bhaskar said about 1,06,143 beneficiaries were identified as eligible candidates for the scheme. About 2,400 acres of land is required for the distribution of land pattas and 1860 acres of government land is available. Moreover, those who occupied government lands and are eligible for the scheme will be given with Possession Certificates at their existing location, he added.
Condemning the rumours and news articles on illegal land acquisition, Chittoor district collector Naryana Bharat Gupta clarified that no school land has been acquired for the Pedhalandhariki illu scheme and emphasized that the entire process was conducted transparently.
The prestigious Pedhalandhariki Illu scheme is aimed to distribute 25 lakh house site pattas by Ugadi for the eligible people in the state. The work process is on the fast track and officials at the district level will all be set by Ugadi for the distribution of house site pattas.
