Idukki: Just moments before his sudden demise, Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Soman strongly advocated for resolving land disputes in Idukki and removing hurdles in the distribution of caste certificates.

The CPI MLA raised these concerns while speaking at the fifth session of the ‘Vision and Mission 2021–26’ held in connection with the District Revenue Assembly for Idukki and Wayanad. Revenue Minister K Rajan chaired the event held in Thiruvananthapuram.

At the outset of his address, Soman highlighted two major issues. He recalled that after nearly half a century, a government had finally brought a solution to Idukki’s land problems, and welcomed the Minister’s announcement on implementing the Land Assignment Amendment Act.

He also elaborated on the hurdles in caste certificate distribution, citing the inter-ministerial meeting of the Revenue, SC/ST, and Law Departments that was convened following his submission in the Assembly. Soman went on to deliver a detailed speech on the district’s long-standing land title issues.

In response, Minister Rajan assured that the matter had been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and that a solution was expected soon. MLAs MM Mani and A Raja also took part in the District Revenue Assembly.

A great loss: Minister Rajan mourns Vazhoor Soman’s demise
Revenue Minister K Rajan paid tribute to the late MLA, describing him as a “fearless comrade who faced sacrifices and assaults.”

“Soman was a shining chapter in Kerala’s working-class movement. From his student days, he was like an elder brother to many. His demise is a great loss, particularly for the plantation workers of Idukki and the people of Peerumade, for whom he fought relentlessly and uncompromisingly,” the Minister said.

Land Assignment Amendment Act to come into force
Minister Rajan announced that the Land Assignment Amendment Act will come into effect in August. The amendment, unanimously passed in the Assembly on September 14, 2023, had been delayed as the Governor withheld assent for six months.

The Minister said the rules would benefit not only Idukki but all districts, granting people the right and freedom to utilise their land more effectively. He added that the LDF government was working to notify the rules before September and continued to intervene to resolve long-pending title deed issues in Idukki, though pending litigations remained an obstacle.