Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed on Wednesday that the state cabinet has approved amendments to the land assignment (Bhoopathiv) rules, signalling a key step towards resolving decades-old land issues in the state’s hilly regions.

Speaking at a media conference, the Chief Minister said the approval of the amendments realises a major promise from the 2021 LDF election manifesto. “This marks the end of a 65-year wait for the people of the hilly regions,” he added.

Consultations lead to finalised rules

According to CM Vijayan, the new rules were finalised after consultations at various levels. They aim to regulate the use of assigned land that had previously been allotted for specific purposes. Land assigned for agriculture and housing will continue mainly for livelihoods, while use for other purposes will now be formally permitted. “The creation of rules to regularise altered land usage is the most important step. The issue of regulating changed land use will be fully resolved,” the Chief Minister added.