Kozhikode to Create Database of Unused Government Land for LIFE Mission

Quick Summary:

• Kozhikode district is preparing a data bank of unused land across various government departments to support housing initiatives under the Kerala government’s LIFE Mission.
• Local self-government bodies are tasked wiht identifying 1-2 acres of unused land and providing details to the Revenue department within weeks.
• The District Collector can directly take over such properties, provided a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is obtained from original landholders.
• Government departments have reviewed records and preliminary data submissions for land allocations. Some private entities and corporate donors are donating land as part of campaigns like Manassode Ithiri Mannu.
• Over 90 cents of land have already been donated by private individuals in the Kozhikode district, with participation primarily from panchayats such as thalakkulathur, Kottur, Kunnamangalam, among others.
• LIFE Mission has addressed housing needs for 33,477 homeless people across three phases in Kozhikode district using State schemes and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana funds. Future projects aim to benefit approximately 3,000 extremely poor families who lack access to land.

Indian Opinion analysis:

the creation of a centralized data bank for unused government lands in Kozhikode represents proactive governance aimed at solving acute housing shortages. By streamlining processes like NOC acquisition and direct property takeover by collectors, the kerala government reduces bureaucratic delays that often hinder welfare projects. Campaigns encouraging private contributions-such as Manassode Ithiri Mannu-illustrate a progressive approach rooted in community partnership.

Progress under LIFE Mission showcases promising outcomes; addressing housing issues for over 33,400 people signifies significant impact on social welfare. However, upcoming efforts targeting extremely poor families will likely demand sustained collaboration between local authorities and donors. If implemented successfully at scale statewide or adapted elsewhere in India where similar challenges exist regarding homelessness and poverty alleviation strategies-it may set an actionable precedent worth monitoring closely.

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