Swaraj Abhiyan Telangana calls for cancellation of illegal and arbitrary auction-sale of Government Land scheduled for 19 May 2016 on the sale of 54 land parcels admeasuring about 196 acres in Shaikpet Mandal of Hyderabad District and Serilingampally, Rajendranagar and Shankarpally mandals of Ranga Reddy District.
On 13th may 2016, a representation has been submitted to the CM, Deputy CM, Principal Secretaries of Women & Child Welfare, Minority Welfare, BC Welfare, Tribal Welfare, School Education, Higher Education, to rescind GO and cancel the auction-sale of government lands as it is illegal and arbitrary. This is against public welfare which is the bounden Constitutional duty of the Government. (Rep enclosed)
The same people who had earlier vehemently opposed such sales before the bifurcation of the State, have now issued orders relaxing G.O No. 571 Revenue department dated; 14th September, 2012, which expressly prohibited auction of Government lands, even after adapting the said order to Telangana State, vide G.O.M.S No 61 Rev.Dept. Dt:. 15-05- 214. Going back once again on its own stand, the orders permitting auctions are issued vide G.O.M.S No. 82 Rev.Dept. Dated; 17-06 -2015 for ‘disposal of Government land parcels that are not required for any immediate public purpose, that cannot be kept idle for encroachments’.
It is strange that the government is admitting to its incapacity to protect its inheritance and is thus forced to make a commercial profit of its own shortcoming. If private individuals, who purchase the lands can protect their lands, it is not known how the government can declare its comparative incapacity. That the proposed permanent allotment of Public lands in urban areas without scientifically and judiciously, establishing its non-utility and on the grounds that the lands cannot be protected without even taking adequate steps is arbitrary and unconstitutional.It is also in violation of right to life of the people living in urban areas, particularly when there is a severe shortage of green cover that has reportedly fallen from 2.71 per cent to 1.66 per cent over the last 20 years.
Our random field survey at Puppulguda, Rajendranagar and other places reveals that the lands that are proposed to be sold are located in prime localities and thickly populated areas, in both the districts having significant market value that are very suitable for establishment for government schools, colleges, centers for anganwadi, parks, playgrounds, re-creational spaces, housing facilities for lower-strata etc. as there are no such centers in the vicinites.
Finally, in reply to RTI application seeking information of government offices and institutions in rented premises, the District Collector has given a reply vide B5/500/2016 dt.23-03-16, that ‘does not arise as no such information is compiled’. In the absence of such information an assessment of whether the lands notified for auction, are required for public purpose or not, cannot be done.
Swaraj Abhiyan calls that Government orders issued for disposal of Government lands be rescinded and auction of government lands scheduled for 19 may 2016 be cancelled immediately. [Press Release]