AP govt yet to vacate hundreds of staff quarters in Hyderabad

Housing stalemate persists

Years after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, a significant number of government quarters in Hyderabad remain in the possession of the Andhra Pradesh government. The residential units, meant for officers and staff, were expected to be transferred to Telangana as part of the division of assets. However, the process has remained incomplete, leaving hundreds of properties in limbo.

The development has come to light in recent assessments of government accommodation in the city. Officials familiar with the matter say the quarters are spread across several prime locations in Hyderabad, adding to the complexity of the handover.

What the bifurcation rules say

Under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, the two states were required to divide movable and immovable assets, including residential quarters. Hyderabad, which served as the joint capital for a decade, was to see its government properties split between the two states. The intent was clear: each state would get its due share of housing for its employees.

Yet, the ground reality tells a different story. A large chunk of the quarters is still under the administrative control of Andhra Pradesh, even as Telangana has been functioning as a separate state for years. The delay has raised questions about the pace of the asset division process.

Impact on employees

The prolonged possession has practical implications. Employees of both state governments continue to face uncertainty over allotments and transfers. In some cases, quarters that should have been vacated remain occupied, while new allotments are stalled pending the resolution of ownership.

Sources indicate that multiple rounds of discussions have been held between the two states, but a final agreement remains elusive. The issue is understood to be part of a broader set of unresolved matters from the bifurcation, including the division of other properties and assets.

What lies ahead

Officials have not yet confirmed a definitive timeline for the handover of the quarters. The matter may require intervention at a higher level if the two states fail to reach a consensus. For now, the quarters remain a visible reminder of the unfinished business of state reorganisation.

Observers will be watching for any movement in the coming months, especially as both governments continue to address other pending bifurcation-related issues. The resolution of the housing question could set a precedent for the handling of other shared assets.