THRISSUR: By 2025, Kerala will become a state that has no landless citizens or families suffering from acute poverty, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday. “Steps were taken to save 62,100 families from poverty. By November 1, 2025 (Kerala Piravi day), Kerala will become a place with no acute poverty,” he said after inaugurating the concluding ceremony of state-level ‘pattaya mela’ at Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur.
At the function, 11,221 title deeds were distributed to people living across the district. They include 68 forest title deeds. As many as 24 deeds were distributed to residents of Telungar colony in Wadakkanchery assembly constituency.
“The government had the target to distribute 40,000 title deeds this year, but we have already distributed 67,069 deeds so far. In two years, we distributed 1,21,604 deeds. A constituency-wise list of those who haven’t received the documents is being prepared,” he said.
Talking about LIFE Mission, under which about 3.5 lakh homes were built in the state, Pinarayi said, “Contracts were given to build 40,000 houses. As many as 60,000 houses are being built and nearing completion.” He added that the government took land rights issues of the tribal community seriously. “So far, 70,000 tribal families received title deeds. It is the government’s duty to ensure land for the tribals,” he said.
Presiding over the event, Revenue Minister K Rajan said an integrated portal with details of land use will be made available in 15 villages in Kerala by July. Ente Bhoomi, the integrated portal, has been readied with the collaboration of revenue, survey and registration departments, Rajan said, adding that the government will show no leniency in taking back land from those possessing it illegally, and distribute the same to landless people.
SC, ST Welfare Minister K Radhakrishnan, Higher Education Minister R Bindu, Mayor M K Varghese, MP T N Prathapan, MLAs P Balachandran and A C Moideen and others attended the function.
Title deed after 46 years
After a long wait of 46 years, 70-year-old Ayshu Umma got the title deed for her land at the pattaya mela on Sunday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan handed over the deed to Ayshu, who lives on two cents of land at Elanadu village in Thalapilly taluk. As someone who makes a living through the Centre’s employment guarantee scheme, Ayshu was relieved to get the deed. Now, she wants to renovate her partially-damaged house.