Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a press meet, said the new rules would simplify the regularisation process by permitting smaller constructions for livelihood after inspection and payment of a special fee.
Published Aug 27, 2025 | 6:34 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 27, 2025 | 6:34 PM
File photo of Pinarayi Vijayan. (X)
Synopsis: The amendment, which secured Governor’s assent in April 2024 after unanimous passage in the Assembly, is seen as the culmination of a decades-long demand, particularly in Idukki. It also carries significant political weight ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government on Wednesday, 27 August, notified the rules to implement the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Act, 2023, clearing the way for settler farmers in high-range districts like Idukki and Wayanad to freely use their land beyond farming and housing.
The move, which ends decades of restrictions and litigation, allows the state to regularise violations of the original 1960 law that had confined “patta” land to agriculture, housing, and public roads.
Over the years, thousands of settler families—mostly allotted land in the 1970s—had used it for commercial and livelihood purposes, inadvertently violating the law and facing revenue action and legal disputes.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a press meet, said the new rules would simplify the regularisation process by permitting smaller constructions for livelihood after inspection and payment of a special fee.
They also cover larger commercial structures, subject to environmental clearance, and permit the legalisation of hospitals, schools, religious institutions, party offices, and social organisations built on assigned land.
Quarry operations will also be allowed under strict environmental and pollution norms.
The Cabinet also decided that a second set of rules would be introduced later to further decriminalise violations and expand livelihood opportunities on assigned land.
Before taking effect, the rules will be placed before the Assembly Subject Committee.
The amendment, which secured Governor’s assent in April 2024 after unanimous passage in the Assembly, is seen as the culmination of a decades-long demand, particularly in Idukki. It also carries significant political weight ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
By addressing a grievance long championed by the Church and settler farmers, the LDF hopes to blunt Congress criticism and limit the BJP’s attempts to woo the influential community.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
