Minister Addresses Concerns Over Construction in Idukki

Quick Summary

• New Rules Promulgated: The Kerala government has introduced rules to implement the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Act, 2023, allowing unrestricted land-use rights and regularising past construction violations until June 7, 2024.
• Key provisions: The new measures aim to simplify the regularisation process for settlers who faced litigation and bureaucratic hurdles over historical land-use violations. Regularisation would require payment of a fee.
• Pending Regulations: While Section 4A(1) facilitates regularisation on assigned lands with title deeds, rules under Section 4A(2), which would allow new constructions, will be issued soon.
• Concerns Raised: Farmers’ groups and the Idukki Diocese expressed concerns over continuing restrictions in areas like Idukki. Critics argue that land-related issues remain unsolved despite new legislation.
• Reactions: Revenue Minister K. Rajan emphasized ease of process in approving applications for regularisation. Tho, local representatives from both religious and farmer groups argue that unresolved problems persist regarding construction approvals.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The promulgation of rules under the kerala Government Land Assignment (amendment) Act appears aimed at resolving long-standing disputes around unauthorized land use by settler communities while reducing bureaucratic obstacles in legalizing constructions made on titled lands issued as 1964. This reflects a notable shift from historical limitations that restricted such lands for farming or housing purposes only.

However, critiques from stakeholders suggest gaps in fully addressing underlying challenges-particularly in regions like Idukki were bans on new constructions continue and distrust persists regarding alleged monetization under the guise of “regularization fees.” For settlers reliant on their properties for diversified livelihoods or commerce beyond farming alone, clarity on upcoming amendments is critical for ensuring equitable outcomes.The government’s future implementation strategy will likely influence public perceptions about its effectiveness in balancing economic opportunities with preservation goals across Kerala’s rural regions. Frameworks enabling openness are essential moving forward to stabilize growing dissent among local communities heavily invested in these reforms.

Read more at: The Hindu

(Note: Images included as per input source.)