A.P. Rythu Sangham demands govt. to revoke G.O. 470

The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham has called for the immediate rescinding of Government Order (G.O.) No. 470, arguing that its implementation would significantly decrease the compensation offered to farmers whose lands are seized for public projects. The organization's leaders, V. Krishnaiah and K. Prabhakar Reddy, warned of mass protests if their demands are not met.

In a statement, they highlighted that the State government currently pays lower compensation under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act compared to other states. The group emphasized that G.O. 470 would further strain farmers. They pointed out that farmers from Devarapalli mandal in West Godavari district had sought compensation via the High Court, which ruled in their favor in 2019.

The court's decision led to the issuance of G.O. 470, which revised the calculation method for additional compensation. Under the new rules, lands within a two-kilometre radius of urban centers receive only 5% extra compensation, those between two and five kilometres get 10%, and those beyond five kilometres are entitled to 25%.

The leaders contended that these new norms strip farmers of previous benefits and complicate their ability to acquire alternative land due to escalating market prices.