THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an attempt to address the long-pending issues of farmers in Idukki, the state Cabinet on Wednesday decided to give ‘unconditional’ title deeds for up to four acres of land in possession in the district, instead of the earlier ceiling of one acre.
The decision is expected to address the concerns of farmers in Idukki who don’t have title deeds. However, there are allegations that the decision may help the land mafia in making major land purchases in the hilly regions of Idukki.
As per the decision taken by the Cabinet, necessary amendments would be brought in the rules to distribute unconditional title deeds for up to four acres of land. The government decided to make amendments to Rule 5(A) and 8 (1) of Kerala Land Assignment Act, 1964. As per the proposed changes, title deeds for up to four acres will be given to those in possession of land, instead of one acre. If the land in possession is more than four acres, then the excess land should be returned to the government.
Once the title deeds are issued there will be no restriction on selling the land which is under an individual’s possession, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy while briefing the Cabinet decisions. However there will be a 25-year bar on selling land for which fresh title deeds, other than unconditional title deeds, are issued. The distribution of title deeds in Idukki district has been based on Rule 27 of Kerala Land Assignment Act.