AMARAVATI, Sept. 15, 2026: The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a major step to clear the way for land registrations, allowing 7,85,500 acres that have secured freehold rights to be registered. The decision, notified through a Government Order issued on Tuesday, is expected to provide relief to thousands of landholders who have been awaiting clarity over the status of their properties.
The government has also removed restrictions on the registration of 5,422 acres of private patta land that had been wrongly classified as assigned land in official records. Another 64,143 acres eligible for freehold status but yet to receive formal proceedings can now be registered without waiting for separate orders.
The order also permits registration of 17,897 acres covered by the Dotted Lands Act, 2017. For another 28,292 acres of assigned land, however, registration will be allowed only after the statutory 20-year period from the date of assignment has been completed.
Government Draws Red Line on Irregular Claims
While opening the door for genuine landholders, the government has retained restrictions on properties where freehold rights appear to have been granted contrary to rules. Registration has been stopped for 38,733 acres where freehold status was allegedly granted in violation of prescribed norms.
Registration has also been put on hold for 25,486 acres that are not in the possession of the beneficiaries. The government has directed RDOs and Sub-Collectors to conduct detailed inquiries into such cases before taking further action.
Properties recorded as assigned lands in Webland without supporting additional evidence have also been placed under scrutiny. The order provides for keeping registrations on hold until the verification process is completed.
RDOs, Sub-Collectors Get More Powers
The government has further cleared registration of 24,261 acres that do not fall under water resources or other related government departments.
Outside municipal corporation limits, RDOs and Sub-Collectors have been authorised to grant freehold rights. Beneficiaries who disagree with an RDO's decision can approach the Joint Collector within 60 days through an appeal.
Eligible beneficiaries seeking freehold rights have been asked to submit their applications through village secretariats and Swarna Grama–Swarna Ward secretariats.
The government’s latest move effectively combines a registration window for eligible freehold properties with tighter scrutiny of disputed and irregular cases, officials said.
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