Plots identified by the Revenue Department in different parts of the State for distribution among 1495 landless agitators at the Kumbazha Esate of Harrison Malayalam Limited at Chengara have been allotted to the beneficiaries through a draw of lots held under the supervision of Joint Commissioner (Land Review), P.G.Thomas and Survey Director, S.Raveendran, at the Collectorate conference hall here on Tuesday.
Mr. Thomas said as many as 831.03 acres of land have been identified in 10 districts for distribution among the 1495 eligible landless poor families at Chengara. Of them, 38 families belong to Scheduled Tribe and 1227 to Scheduled Caste categories. Besides, 230 families belong to various other categories including upper castes.
The landless ST family has been allotted one acre land each while those belong to SC category have got 50 cents each. The landless people belong to other category got 25 cents each as per the government decision.
Mr. Thomas said the excess land for distribution among the landless people at Chengara have been identified and earmarked in the 10 districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam,Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Mr. Thomas said 38 ST families, 1227 SC families and 230 families belonged to various other categories have been identified by the revenue survey team among the landless poor who are eligible for land allotment.
Hundreds of people under the banner of Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi (SJVSV) encroached upon the Kumbazha Estate at Chengara in August.2007, demanding five acres of land and Rs 50,000 towards farming expenses, to each landless family among them.
Encroachment of the private estate continued with added vigour as various social organisations and activists extending support to SJVSV.
Meanwhile, disposing a petition filed by HML management, the Kerala High Court had directed the government to clear the encroachment without any bloodshed and the district authorities have failed to implement the court order owing to the belligerent mood of the encroachers.
Mr. Thomas said the process of allotment of land has been completed in a transparent manner through the draw of lots held in the presence of SJVSV president, Laha Gopalan and general secretary, Seleena Prakkanam.
District Collector, S.Lalithambika, drew the first lot and the process was completed, later, in the afternoon.
K.Sanjaykumar, District Superintendent of Police and D.Sajithbabu, Assistant Commissioner (Land Revenue), were also present.
