CM inaugurates State-level Pattaya mela; 4.56 lakh families get land rights during Pinarayi govts.

In a landmark step towards inclusive land ownership, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday virtually inaugurated a State-level land title (pattaya) distribution fair, reaffirming the government’s mission of “land for all, records for every land, and smart services for all.”

Revenue Minister K. Rajan distributing land titles at a Pattaya Mela held in Thrissur on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
K.K. NAJEEB

Describing the event as a moment of pride and history for Kerala, the Chief Minister said the initiative marks a transformative phase in which lakhs of families are finally receiving legal ownership for their land. “This is a historic occasion. Over 4.5 lakh families have got their long-awaited land rights,” he said during the inaugural address.

According to official figures, more than 4.5 lakh land titles are being distributed, directly benefiting over 40 lakh people. During the previous government’s tenure, 1,77,011 title deeds were issued. During the current government’s tenure, a total of 2,72,989 title deeds were distributed—54,535 title deeds were distributed in the first phase, followed by 6,769; 31,499; and 27,784 pattayas in successive phases. Including the current distribution, a total of 4,56,689 pattayas have now reached the beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister noted that the government has focussed on ensuring land, housing, health care, and education for the underprivileged, aimed at creating a secure and dignified life for marginalised communities.

To tribal people

Highlighting tribal welfare measures, he said one acre of land each was provided to 253 tribal families displaced after the Muthanga land struggle. Steps are also under way to allocate 171 acres at Marianad Estate to the remaining landless families. Additionally, land was provided to 137 families to resolve the agitation at Chettachal in Thiruvananthapuram district.

From 2016 to 2025, over 6,250 acres of land was assigned to 46,300 families under the Forest Rights Act. The government also issued revenue land titles to 213 families, granted rights over 2,106 acres of vested forestland to 3,426 families, and distributed land through purchase and land bank initiatives. Including land given as part of flood rehabilitation, 8,690 acre was given to 9,196 landless families.

The Chief Minister attributed the efficiency of land distribution to systematic governance, including a dedicated dashboard, land tribunal adalats, district-level grievance redressal camps led by public representatives, and the formation of the Pattaya Mission to ensure rightful ownership of land.

2,634 in Thrissur’s hilly region

Presiding over the function, Revenue Minister K. Rajan said that while only 18 title deeds were distributed in the hilly regions of Thrissur taluk between 2011 and 2016, the current government has resolved longstanding issues and distributed 2,634 title deeds in the region within a short span. He described the initiative as a reflection of the government’s commitment to justice for people in the high-range areas.

Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R. Bindu, the chief guest, congratulated the government and the Revenue department for transforming over 4.5 lakh families into landowners and expressed hope that such initiatives would strengthen the vision of a ‘New Kerala.’

Revenue officials who rendered dedicated service were honoured at the ceremony held at Thrissur Town Hall.