VIJAYAWADA – Andhra Pradesh is on the brink of a significant land reform, as the state government moves to repeal the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non-Agricultural Purposes) Act, 2006, commonly known as the NALA Act. This legislative change is set to streamline the process of converting agricultural land for non-agricultural uses, aiming for a more seamless transition.
A cabinet sub-committee, including Finance Minister P Keshav, Municipal Administration Minister Dr. P Narayana, and Revenue Minister Anagani Satyaprasad, convened with officials on Wednesday to discuss the matter. The state government has already instructed its officials to prepare guidelines for the repeal of the NALA Act. This initiative follows an earlier announcement by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the NALA Act’s repeal during a district collectors’ conference held in March.
The decision to revoke the Act directly addresses concerns voiced by both real estate developers and the general public. The cabinet sub-committee reviewed the issue’s progress and instructed officials to promptly develop proposals for simplifying land conversion. This simplification is expected to involve automatic conversion upon tax payment, thereby removing the requirement for multiple office visits.
Finance Minister P Keshav informed the media that officials have been tasked with drafting proposals illustrating how land conversion can be streamlined for individuals and businesses setting up ventures or industries in municipal areas, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Keshav added, “We will discuss these proposals in the next meeting, and take a final call on the issue”.
Minister Narayana clarified that the Act’s repeal is primarily intended to alleviate public difficulties. He noted that various organizations had previously objected to the elevated NALA tax rates. In response, officials have been directed to suggest potential reductions to the current tax rates.
