Rule changes on the cards to streamline land conversion, title deed distribution, says Kerala Revenue Minister

Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar said the Kerala government is ready to change the rules if necessary to speed up land use conversion and title distribution.

Addressing the district-level review meeting of the Revenue Department in Thrissur, he said practical difficulties often arise only after the implementation of laws. “Such issues may require changes in rules or issuance of special government orders. Once the review meetings in all 14 districts are completed, the government will examine the practical suggestions and legislative amendments put forward by the authorities and take appropriate decisions,” he said.

Mr. Kumar said the Revenue department handles the largest amount of public files and maintains the closest interface with the public. Revenue officials play an important role in almost every public matter, he said, adding that people today are well aware of their rights and powers.

He said that although it is not possible to fulfill every request, authorities should listen patiently to people who visit government offices, empathize with their concerns and ensure that files are destroyed quickly and transparently.

Priority sections

The Minister instructed the officials to give priority to solving the problems of vulnerable sections, including coastal communities, tribal people and residents of Scheduled Caste colonies.

As part of the state government’s 100-day action plan, the ministry aims to eliminate more than 25,000 applications for land use conversion. The government is also examining measures to address the shortage of researchers, the official said.

Within the scope of the 100-day program, the target of distributing 200 title deeds to the district was determined. While revenue department special secretary K. Jeevan Babu urged the officials to exceed the target, District Collector Shikha Surendran expressed confidence that the district will distribute more pattayams than the stipulated number.

The Collector also said that six smart village offices in the district are ready to be inaugurated under the 100-day programme.

land acquisition

Mr. Surendran said that land acquisition of 157.15 hectares for 31 development projects in the district is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027.

The Collector also informed the meeting that government financial assistance has been disbursed to the families of 16 people killed in the Mundathikode fireworks accident. Damage assessment efforts are continuing in the houses in the area.

District-level review meetings are being held to expedite implementation of Revenue Department’s initiatives under the state government’s 100-day action plan. Mr. Babu said another review meeting will be held in a month to assess the progress of the initiatives.