AP govt launches Land Pooling Scheme, promises bigger plots, welfare perks for landowners

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday unveiled the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) Rules, 2025, that promises landowners larger residential and commercial plots and generous welfare benefits in exchange for their land.

Residential and commercial plot entitlements

According to the principal secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), S Suresh Kumar, farmers giving up one acre of dry patta land will receive a 1,000 sq yard residential plot and a 250 sq yard commercial plot. Those surrendering jareebu (irrigated) land will be allotted a 1,000 sq yard residential plot and a 450 sq yard commercial plot.

Landowners surrendering land under five other categories will also receive reconstituted plots of varying sizes, he added.

Rs 30,000 for dry land farmers and Rs 50,000 for jareebu land farmers

The scheme offers an annual annuity of Rs 30,000 for dry land farmers and Rs 50,000 for jareebu land farmers, with annual increments of Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively. Farmers pooling orchard lands such as lime, sapota or guava will receive a one-time additional payment of Rs 1 lakh.

Other benefits include a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for 10 years for each landless poor family, a one-time agricultural loan waiver up to Rs 1.5 lakh for eligible farmers and free education and healthcare for residents upon declaration of intent.

Megacity vision for Amaravati

The new rules are part of the government’s plan to develop Amaravati into a megacity by merging it with Mangalagiri, Tadepalli, Guntur and Vijayawada.

An additional 40,000 acres of land will be pooled, adding to the 54,000 acres already acquired. The TDP-led NDA government also plans to build an international airport in Amaravati.

Welfare and development measures

The scheme also promises old age homes for the elderly and needy, subsidised food through Anna Canteens and the use of local farmers’ tractors and machinery in development works.

Focus on transparency and environment

Suresh Kumar said the new rules enhance the 2015 Capital City LPS package, making it more citizen-friendly and technology-integrated to ensure transparency and security. Reconstituted plot details will be directly entered into the registration system.

Water bodies will be strictly preserved in line with the National Green Tribunal and Supreme Court directives.

Driving economic growth

“The government is committed to fast-tracking Amaravati’s development while ensuring inclusive growth for all stakeholders,” Suresh Kumar stated.

He added that the rapid urban expansion will lead to the emergence of new urban settlements, satellite towns and economic agglomerations, turning the region into a major growth engine capable of lifting millions out of poverty.