Visakhapatnam: A massive controversy has erupted after Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu suggested amending the 1/70 Act during the Tourism Investors’ Summit held on January 27. His comments have sparked outrage among tribal communities, who see this as an attempt to weaken their land rights.
In response, tribal organizations and the Tribal Joint Action Committee (JAC) have called for a two-day bandh on February 11 and 12 to protest against any changes to the law that protects their lands.
What is the 1/70 Act and Why is it Important?
The 1/70 Act (Land Transfer Regulation Act, 1970) was enacted to prevent non-tribals from acquiring tribal land, ensuring that indigenous communities retain ownership of their ancestral lands.
Ayyanna Patrudu argued that this law is blocking private investments in tourism hotspots like Visakhapatnam, Lambasingi, and Araku and suggested that it should be revised. However, tribals fear that any amendment could open the doors for large corporate takeovers, pushing them out of their own lands.
TDP’s Past Attempts to Dilute Tribal Land Rights
Tribal leaders believe that Ayyanna Patrudu’s statement is not an isolated remark but part of TDP’s long-standing agenda to benefit private companies.
- In the 1980s, during NTR’s tenure, TDP attempted to amend the 1/70 Act, but the Central Government blocked the move under the 5th Schedule of the Constitution.
- In 2000, Chandrababu Naidu’s government tried to lease out 550 million tonnes of bauxite reserves in Chintapalli forests to Dubai-based Dubal.
- To bypass the State Assembly, TDP pressured the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) to approve the amendments and sent them to the Governor for Presidential approval.
- However, strong protests from YS Rajasekhara Reddy, tribal rights groups, and legal challenges forced TDP to withdraw the plan.
A Fresh Attempt to Undermine Tribal Rights?
With TDP now back in power, tribal communities suspect that history is repeating itself. They fear that Ayyanna Patrudu’s remarks indicate another attempt to dilute the 1/70 Act, paving the way for corporate investments at the cost of tribal self-respect.
The Tribal JAC is mobilizing protests, warning that any attempt to weaken the 1/70 Act will face massive resistance.
What Happens Next?
- Will TDP succeed in its long-standing plan to open tribal lands for private investments?
- Will tribal communities unite to protect their ancestral lands?
- Will the youth of Araku and Visakhapatnam send a strong message to TDP?
The battle between tribal rights and corporate interests is heating up. The coming days will determine whether tribal self-respect prevails or corporate ambitions take over.
