In a decisive move, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly recently voted unanimously to repeal the Non-Agricultural Lands Assessment (NALA) Act, following extensive debate and consideration.
Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad championed the repeal, emphasizing that the move is crucial for significantly boosting the state’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking and fostering robust economic growth.
The Minister pointed out that the NALA Act had become obsolete, as existing local and urban development authority laws already sufficiently regulated development activities, making the old act redundant.
He further detailed the significant hurdles the Act imposed, particularly the arduous process of converting agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. This often forced landowners into a frustrating bureaucratic maze, with approval delays frequently caused by officials being preoccupied with other duties, leading to unnecessary obstacles.
Mr. Satya Prasad stressed that the NALA Act had directly impeded the construction of essential buildings and industries, thereby stalling the state’s economic advancement. He confirmed that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had previously committed to this repeal during the Collectors’ Conference, and the Assembly was now acting on those directives.
Following the comprehensive discussions, the Assembly’s unanimous vote sealed the fate of the NALA Act, bringing an end to its tenure in Andhra Pradesh.