THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Revenue Department has prepared a list of 154 people who have encroached upon government land in Munnar, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan has said. They include Power Minister M M Mani’s brother’s son Lignesh.
The minister informed the Assembly that 37 in the list were big encroachers. Encroachments were found in KDH Marayoor, Anaviratti, Kunjithanni, Pallivasal, Mankulam, Kezhanthur, Chinnakanal, Bison Valley, Santhanpara, Parathodu, Chathurangappu, Pooppara Block and Mannamkanda.
“Most of the encroachments are below 10 cents. The land found encroached belongs to the KSEB, Revenue and Forest Departments. Institutions on encroached upon land include political party offices and churches. Steps are being taken to resume the land,” he said.
“The government is planning a piece of legislation to ensure that funds meant for development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities are spent properly,” Tribal Welfare Minister A K Balan said.
“The government is taking action against those who secured government jobs in reservation quota by producing fake caste certificates. Local self-governments are found to be showing laxity in proper spending of these funds.”
A special recruitment would be held in Wayanad next month to recruit 241 tribal youths as teachers. Their appointment would be on contractual basis and they would be absorbed in government service later. Another special recruitment drive would also be held.
The ceiling for annual income of Scheduled Caste families to get treatment assistance was raised to Rs 1 lakh. Forest Minister K Raju said junda (border post) laying works to mark forest borders would be completed in three years from now. The minister said the government would not acquire lands near forests without following procedures, including compensation.