The government is seriously considering amending the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetlands Act to plug loopholes as suggested by the State Planning Board, Minister for Revenue Adoor Prakash told the Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to questions in the House, the Minister said loopholes in the law due to lack of proper framing of rules was creating problems to the government. The Planning Board had suggested amendments to make available paddy fields for general use. The amendments will ensure adequate protection to the officials who reach the spot to implement the laws.
Mr. Prakash said databanks, as prescribed by the Act, had been published in 238 of the 978 panchayats. The process of printing the databank in 677 was on and 42 panchayats were yet to commence the steps. In 42 panchayats, there were no paddy fields or wetlands.
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Anoop Jacob, in reply to a question, said the department with the help of the police had carried out raids to check diversion of rice and other items supplied through ration shops and seized 1,000 tonnes of rice and 1,000 LPG cylinders. As many as 19 were arrested in the last six months and steps had been taken to prosecute 5 persons.
He said flying squads had been deployed and action would be taken against those indulging in black-marketin.
