Government not to immediately take back surplus land from religious institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a recent development, the Kerala government decided to regularise illegal land possessed by religious institutions and cemeteries in the state. Though the cabinet has decided to issue title deeds to surplus land up to one acre, which belongs to religious organisations, it is learnt that it will not immediately begin to take back land from the institutions.

Earlier, the government had planned to take back the surplus land immediately. However, it was forced to change its decision due to concern over the reaction from religious organisations. According to sources, the decision was taken after various rounds of discussion among the council of ministers.

Meanwhile, reports also suggest that the new decision by the government is generating various doubts in the public. It is learnt that the land required for the functioning of religious institutions will be granted by levying charges.