Inaugurating a district-level title deed distribution programme at the K. Karunakaran Memorial Town Hall in Thrissur, the Minister said the government had initially set a target of distributing 5,000 titles in 100 days. With the State-level title deed distribution programme scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan in Palakkad, the number is expected to cross 10,000.
The Revenue department had initially planned to settle 25,000 applications for land conversion. However, action has already been completed on more than 30,000 applications, and the department aims to take the figure to 50,000. In Thrissur alone, around 6,000 land-conversion applications have already been settled, he said.
Govt.’s priority
Land-related issues in Keralam are complex because they involve forest land, coastal areas and hilly regions. The government’s priority is to provide land to eligible people, particularly disadvantaged communities. In the coming years, special focus will be given to allocating eligible land to fishers, tribal communities and other deserving sections.Many tribespeople do not apply for title deed because they are not aware of its importance. Tribal coordinators should therefore assist them in submitting applications, he said.
The Minister also called on revenue officials to ensure that people receive services to which they are entitled quickly and transparently. Officials must treat people visiting government offices with respect, he said, adding that it was unacceptable for citizens to make repeated trips to offices for the same requirement. Even when an issue cannot be resolved in a single visit, officials should provide a clear date by which a response or solution can be expected.
He praised the role of revenue officials in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters but warned of strict action against those officials who operate through intermediaries or expect other benefits. The department’s vigilance teams will be expanded and regular inspections will continue at village and taluk offices, he said.
The Minister distributed 15 title deeds representing different categories on the stage. A total of 1,175 title deeds were distributed in Thrissur district. They include 1,021 land tribunal titles, 105 forest land titles, 38 surplus land titles and 11 Inam land titles.
Rajen J. Pallan, MLA, presided over the programme.