Govt will not usurp dalits’ land, asserts Ponguleti

Hyderabad: Revenue, Housing, and Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy clarified that taking away land belonging to Dalits and Tribals is not the policy of the people's government, asserting that the state will not take even an inch of their land. In a statement issued on Sunday, Srinivasa Reddy said the administration, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, stands firmly committed to protecting the land rights of Dalits and Tribals, urging citizens not to harbour any apprehensions over the issue.

He stated that the people's government assumed power two and a half years ago with the support and blessings of Dalits, Tribals, and other weaker sections of society. Social justice, welfare of the poor, and the upliftment of marginalised communities have always remained top priorities under Congress governments, he added. The Minister noted that Congress administrations had historically taken several momentous decisions for the welfare of the poor at both national and state levels, emphasizing that past land reforms and distribution programmes enabled landless Dalits to secure land and ownership rights.

Srinivasa Reddy highlighted that nearly 25 lakh acres were distributed to Dalits in the Telangana region during the tenure of the Indiramma government, while rights over nearly two lakh acres of Podu land were granted to tribal communities. He reiterated that Congress party policy focuses on providing land to the landless and securing rights for those deprived of them. Appealing to citizens not to believe malicious propaganda, the Minister criticized BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao, alleging that the former Chief Minister promised three acres of land to Dalits but completely failed to fulfil the assurance. Speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy gave a categorical assurance that Dalit families need not fear land seizures.

Clarifying ongoing administrative work, the Minister explained that verification of land records, resurveys, and dispute resolution processes should not be misconstrued as attempts to confiscate property. The objective remains accurately establishing land rights, resolving long-standing disputes, and providing legal protection to rightful owners. He alleged that certain influential individuals were deliberately spreading misinformation and instilling fear among Dalits for political mileage. Urging people to verify facts, Srinivasa Reddy maintained that all government actions are executed in a lawful and transparent manner. He pointed to the successful resolution of long-pending land issues across 15 revenue villages in Nutanakal and Maddirala areas of Suryapet district, alongside Narayanapuram village in Kesamudram mandal of Mahabubabad district. Granting land rights enables beneficiaries to access welfare schemes, thereby empowering communities. Reassurance was given that the government stands firmly alongside Dalit families.

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