A new initiative in Kozhikode district aims to expedite housing projects under the State government’s Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment (LIFE) Mission by creating a comprehensive data bank of unused land across various government departments. Local self-government leaders report that they will be identifying one or two acres of unused land in their jurisdictions and collaborating with the Revenue department to compile this data within the next few weeks.
According to a senior official with the LIFE Mission, the process has been streamlined. The District Collector will have the authority to take possession of these unused properties without encountering technical barriers, provided that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is acquired from the original landowners. The grama panchayats are tasked with locating two acres of unused land, while municipalities will seek one acre within their areas to facilitate this endeavor.
Sources from the Revenue department indicate that most government departments have already assessed their land records and identified plenty of unused plots eligible for allocation to the housing initiative. Several departments have even submitted initial data and supporting documents for verification to the relevant authorities.
Additionally, the initiative encourages private landowners and corporate entities to contribute by donating unused land. “Manassode Ithiri Mannu,” a specialized campaign launched by the government, is designed to inspire local participation. An assistant engineer involved with the LIFE Mission noted that generous individuals from across Kozhikode have already donated over 90 cents of land to support this vital cause.
Data shows that many private landowners who voluntarily participated in this scheme hail from panchayats such as Thalakkulathur, Kottur, Kunnamangalam, Villiappally, Koodaranhi, Perumanna, Chakkittappara, and Omassery. Local Self-Government department officials anticipate that interest in voluntary donations will rise once the data bank is fully operational.
The LIFE Mission has made significant strides in meeting the housing needs of 33,477 homeless individuals across three project phases. The successful implementation of these housing projects has benefited from cooperation between various government departments and support from state-level schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Moving forward, officials plan to focus on providing housing for approximately 3,000 extremely poor landless families identified throughout the state.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling homelessness and enhancing living conditions in Kozhikode district. Through collaborative efforts between local bodies and individual contributors, it hopes to turn the dream of secure housing into a reality for many in the community. As the data bank nears completion, the potential for further contributions signals an optimistic outlook for the future of housing in the region, reinforcing the mission’s core goal of inclusivity and empowerment.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/data-bank-of-unused-land-for-life-mission-on-the-cards/article69807284.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2025-07-13 18:58:00
