AP Land Alienation Policy: Complete Guide to G.O.Ms.No.571 & Eligibility

The AP Land Alienation Policy: A Complete Guide to Granting Government Land for Public Purpose

The term "Alienation" in the context of Andhra Pradesh's land revenue administration is often misunderstood. It is not a general land distribution scheme but a specific, legally-defined process for leveraging state-owned land for the greater public good. Governed primarily by the Andhra Pradesh Land Alienation Rules, 1978, and detailed in pivotal Government Orders like G.O.Ms.No. 571, Revenue (Assignment.I) Department, dated 13-09-2012, this policy is a cornerstone of the state's developmental and social welfare strategy.

This guide provides a complete, humanized breakdown of the policy, its objectives, procedures, and legal nuances.

1. What is Alienation? The Legal Definition

As per the G.O.s and the Andhra Pradesh Land Alienation Rules, 1978:

"Alienation of Government Land means the grant of land for a bonafide public purpose to a person, institution, or local body either free of cost or on payment of the full market value or a concessional market value."

Let's decode the key phrases:

• Grant of Land: This is a transfer of ownership rights (Ryotwari Patta) from the State Government to the recipient.
• Bonafide Public Purpose: This is the most critical criterion. The intended use of the land must demonstrably benefit the community or the public at large, not serve private commercial interests.
• Diverse Recipients: The grantee can be an individual, a registered society/trust, a cooperative society, or a local body (like a Gram Panchayat or Municipality).
• Varying Cost: The government can donate the land, charge its full market value, or offer a significant concession, depending on the nature of the public purpose.

2. Objectives: Why Does the Government Alienate Land?

The policy is driven by strategic goals aimed at societal development:

• Promotion of Public Welfare: To facilitate the establishment of essential services like education, healthcare, and social justice.
• Economic Development: To encourage the setting up of industries, IT parks, and other projects that generate employment and boost the economy.
• Support for Charitable Causes: To aid registered societies and trusts engaged in philanthropy, religion, and social service.
• Empowering Local Governance: To provide land to local bodies for developing public infrastructure like parks, burial grounds, and community halls.

3. Eligible Purposes & Eligible Entities (Who and For What?)

The policy is precise about what qualifies as a "public purpose." The following table outlines common eligible categories, often referenced in various G.O.s:

Eligible Entity	Eligible Public Purpose	Typical Value Charged
Local Bodies (Gram Panchayat, Municipality)	Public parks, playgrounds, burial/cremation grounds, sewage treatment plants, solid waste management units, libraries, community halls.	Free of Cost or Highly Concessional
Educational Institutions (Registered Societies/Trusts)	Schools, Colleges, Vocational Training Institutes, Hostels, Libraries.	Concessional Market Value (often 50-75% discount)
Medical Institutions (Registered Societies/Trusts)	Hospitals, Clinics, Dispensaries, Medical Colleges, Rehabilitation Centers.	Concessional Market Value
Charitable/Religious Institutions	Places of worship (Temples, Churches, Mosques), Dharmashalas, Orphanages, Old-age homes.	Concessional Market Value or Free for exceptional cases
Co-operative Societies	Godowns for agricultural produce, Processing units, Housing societies for weaker sections.	Concessional Market Value
Individuals/Companies	Establishment of Industries, IT/ITeS units, Tourism Projects, Large-scale projects of public utility.	Full Market Value (Concession may be considered for strategic projects)

 

4. Land That CANNOT Be Alienated (The Prohibited List)

To protect ecological and public assets, the following categories of government land are strictly prohibited from alienation:

• Tank Beds (Cheruvu / Eri Poramboke): Land belonging to irrigation tanks.
• River Beds and Foreshore Areas: Land adjacent to rivers and streams.
• Grazing Lands (Gundu Poramboke): Reserved for community cattle grazing.
• Forest Land: Land classified under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
• Reserved Lands: Land earmarked for specific government projects (e.g., roads, canals, mining).
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Land: Land falling under CRZ norms.
• Any land whose alienation would be contrary to public interest.

5. The Detailed Application & Approval Process

The process is rigorous, multi-layered, and designed to ensure transparency and adherence to the rules.

Step 1: Submission of Application

• The applicant must submit a detailed application to the Tahsildar (Mandal Revenue Officer) of the concerned mandal.
• The application must include:
• A formal request letter explaining the public purpose.
• Detailed project report.
• Proof of registration of the society/trust (if applicable).
• Financial viability report.
• Site plan and location details of the land.

Step 2: Field Verification and Report

• The Tahsildar forwards the application to the Village Revenue Officer (VRO) for a field verification.
• The VRO verifies the land's status, ensures it is free from disputes and encroachments, and confirms it is not under the prohibited list. A report is submitted back to the Tahsildar.

Step 3: Scrutiny and Recommendations

• The Tahsildar scrutinizes the application and the VRO's report.
• Based on the findings, the Tahsildar makes a recommendation to the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

Step 4: Higher-Level Scrutiny and Approval

• The RDO reviews the case and can make a further recommendation to the District Collector.
• Powers of Approval:
• The District Collector has the power to approve alienation of land up to 2.5 Acres for most purposes and up to 5.0 Acres for specific sectors like Industries and Tourism, as delegated by the government.
• Proposals involving larger areas or highly concessional rates require the approval of the State Government (the Revenue Department).

Step 5: Determination and Payment of Land Value

• Once in-principle approval is granted, the market value of the land is determined by the Tahsildar based on the Registration Department's stamp duty guidelines.
• The concessional rate (if applicable) is calculated, and the applicant is issued a demand notice for payment.

Step 6: Issuance of Government Order and Title Transfer

• Upon successful payment, a formal Government Order (G.O.) is issued, sanctioning the alienation.
• The Tahsildar is instructed to mutate the land records in the name of the grantee and issue the Pattadar Passbook & Title Deed (PPB).

6. Key Conditions and Restrictions Post-Allotment

Alienated land comes with strict conditions to prevent misuse:

• Lock-in Period: The land cannot be sold, leased, mortgaged, or transferred for a specified period, typically 20 years from the date of allotment. Any such transaction requires prior government permission.
• Use-Purpose Condition: The land must be used only for the sanctioned public purpose. Any deviation is illegal.
• Construction Deadline: The grantee must commence and complete construction/development within a stipulated timeframe (e.g., 2-3 years).
• Resumption Clause: If the conditions are violated, or if the land remains unused, the government has the absolute right to resume the land without paying any compensation to the grantee.

Conclusion: A Policy for Progress

The Alienation of Government Land policy is a vital instrument in the hands of the Andhra Pradesh Government to partner with credible organizations and individuals in building a robust social and economic infrastructure. For any entity with a genuine vision for public welfare, understanding and navigating this policy is the first step toward converting that vision into a tangible asset that serves the people.

Navigating the intricacies of land revenue policies can be complex. For the latest Government Orders, circulars, and detailed application formats, we invite you to visit our dedicated resource at aprevenue.com. We provide continuous updates and in-depth analysis to help you stay informed and compliant with the latest regulations from the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Department.

 Frequently Asked Questions on AP's Land Alienation Policy

1. What is the main difference between Land 'Alienation' and Land 'Assignment'?

This is a key distinction:

• Alienation refers specifically to the grant of government land for a bonafide public purpose to institutions, societies, or individuals for projects that benefit the community (e.g., schools, hospitals, industries).
• Assignment typically refers to the grant of small plots of land to economically weaker sections and landless poor for personal residential or agricultural use (e.g., house sites under welfare schemes).

In short: Alienation is for public projects, while Assignment is for individual welfare.

2. Can an individual apply for land alienation to build a private house?

No. The alienation policy is strictly for public purposes. An individual cannot apply for land alienation for a private residential house. For a house site, eligible individuals must look into government land assignment schemes like "Pedalandariki Illu" (Houses for the Poor) which are designed specifically for that purpose.

3. What is the single most important factor for getting land alienated?

The Bonafide Public Purpose. This is the cornerstone of the entire policy. Your application must overwhelmingly demonstrate how the proposed use of the land will serve the broader community or public interest, not private or commercial gain. The credibility of the institution and the detailed project report are critical in proving this.

4. Can alienated land be sold or mortgaged after it is granted?

Not freely. Alienated land comes with a strict lock-in period, usually 20 years. During this time, the land cannot be sold, leased, or mortgaged without the prior permission of the government. Any attempt to do so illegally can result in the government resuming the land without any compensation.

5. Who has the ultimate authority to approve an alienation application?

The approval authority depends on the size and value of the land:

• The District Collector can approve proposals up to 2.5 acres (and up to 5.0 acres for specific sectors like industries).
• Proposals for larger areas, or those seeking land at a highly concessional rate or free of cost, must be sent to the State Government (the Revenue Department) in Amaravati for final approval.