Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Revenue Recovery Act, 1968, is set to undergo revision, reinstating the authority of Tehsildars to chief minister to grant instalment options for arrears in revenue recovery cases. Under the amended provision, the revenue minister will be vested with the power to grant instalments in revenue recovery proceedings of up to Rs 5 lakh, the finance minister for cases ranging between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, and the chief minister for recovery cases exceeding Rs 10 lakh. An ordinance is anticipated to be introduced for this purpose following the upcoming legislative session next month.

Previously, in 2017, the government had issued a directive authorising Tehsildars, collectors, revenue and finance ministers, and the chief minister to sanction instalments for arrears in revenue recovery cases spanning from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10 lakh. This order was contested by financial institutions in the High Court, leading to its nullification. The current amendment is being proposed in response to the court's decision.

The revised amendment also encompasses a provision enabling the government to acquire immovable assets of private individuals or firms in cases of indebtedness, where no bids are forthcoming for a stipulated amount, at a value of Rs. 1.