2017 · Paper IV · 10 marksFrequently asked

Explain the reasons for constituting a land committee under the chairmanship of Sri Koneru Ranga Rao in the year 2004 and bring out its recommendations related to land reforms in Andhra Pradesh.

In short

The Koneru Ranga Rao land committee was set up in 2004 because unequal landholding, weak enforcement of existing laws and insecure informal tenancy hurt marginalised cultivators. It recommended protecting tenants, regularising assigned lands of SCs and STs, enforcing ceiling laws for redistribution and modernising land records.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
The 2004 land committee1 under Sri Koneru Ranga Rao was constituted to address enduring agrarian inequalities, tenancy insecurity, and implementation gaps in Andhra Pradesh432’s land reforms, focusing on marginalized cultivators. It aimed to revitalize land policies to ensure justice for vulnerable farming communities and promote equitable agricultural development.
Reasons for Constituting the Committee
•

Addressing Agrarian Inequities

Persistent disparities in land ownership, especially affecting Scheduled Castes5 and marginalized groups, required urgent attention to reduce landlessness and tenancy insecurity.

•

Tenancy and Cultivator Rights Concerns

The rise of informal tenancy without legal protection created insecurity for cultivators, necessitating policy recommendations to safeguard tenant farmers’ rights and promote land access.

Recommendations Related to Land Reforms
•

Strengthening Tenancy Reforms

The committee recommended legal recognition and ownership rights for long-term tenants to reduce exploitation and encourage investment in land.

•

Regularization of Assigned and Surplus Lands

It advocated secure land titles for Scheduled Castes and Tribes and strict enforcement of land ceiling laws to redistribute surplus lands, addressing concentration of landholdings.

•

Simplification of Land Records and Transfer Procedures

The committee suggested modernizing land records and streamlining transfer processes to improve transparency, reduce disputes, and facilitate easier access to land ownership.

Way Forward
•

Empowering Gram Sabhas

Institutionalizing Gram Sabha consent in land governance to strengthen grassroots democracy and safeguard community interests.

•

Digitization of Land Records

To enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and facilitate easier access for farmers and administrators.

Conclusion
The committee’s targeted reforms aimed to secure land rights, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce poverty, advancing Andhra Pradesh’s goal of inclusive agrarian development. Effective implementation can empower marginalized farmers and promote sustainable, equitable growth in the state.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: Why the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee. Why the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee. Diagram (fishbone): Why the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee; Land reform review, 2004; Agrarian inequities for SCs; Loopholes in earlier laws; Unprotected informal tenancy; Insecure tenure, rural poverty
Diagram: Why the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee

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This chapter in the exam

Agriculture Development in Andhra Pradesh31 questions

Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
4
2011
3
2012
7
2016
5
2017
6
2020
2
2023
2
2025
2

Most tested: Agriculture’s structure, performance, and state policy interventions in Andhra Pradesh.

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