Government gives away public land

Date:07/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/07/stories/2008100752210300.htm
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Title deeds distributed to 2,476 landless families

12,800 acres of encroached land recovered: Minister

Thrissur: Title deeds were given to 2,476 landless families in the district at a ‘pattaya mela’ held at the Thekkinkad Maidan, here, on Monday. Speaking after inaugurating the function, Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran said the government was committed to providing land and house for all landless and homeless families within two years. “Surplus and encroached land recovered by the government will be distributed to landless families in a time-bound manner. Till now, the government has recovered 12,800 acres of encroached land. Formalities to acquire and distribute the remaining encroached land will begin on November 15.

“As many as 68,000 people belonging to Scheduled Caste and 22,300 tribal families in the State are landless. Of these, 3,000-odd tribal families have already been given an acre each. Procedures to provide land for the rest have begun. About 1.3 lakh houses will be constructed for members of the Scheduled Caste under various housing projects,” the Minister said.

The Minister condemned the acts of violence against revenue officials engaged in survey and acquisition of encroached land. “Those who create trouble will be dealt with sternly. The acquired resorts and buildings will be used for public purposes,” he said.