Amravati, Feb. 18 -- The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed amendments to the Municipal Act aimed at easing financial burdens on builders and promoting transparency in construction processes.

The first amendment allows builders to pay only 50 per cent of the vacant land tax during the construction period, from the time building permission is granted until the issuance of the Occupancy Certificate. The second amendment removes the term "leprosy" from municipal laws.

The House passed an amendment allowing only 50 per cent of the vacant land tax to be paid during the building construction period. It also approved a bill to remove the term "leprosy" from municipal laws.

Minister Narayana stated that amendments to the Municipal Act...