Undervaluation notice, corruption of 'settlement'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Officials have come up with undervaluation measures to pave the way for corruption by showing that land registration was done by showing an amount smaller than the original price of the land. Several landowners across the state have been issued notices in this regard. The notice is issued by the District Registrar's Office to those who have prepared the land document by setting the price by including the fair value of the land fixed in 2010 and a 200 per cent increase. These landowners are fed up with this 'collection' by authorities.

The landowners have received notice to pay money on the basis of the report of the sub-registrars who claim that land was registered by showing a price lower than the original amount. The officials offer an arrangement for 'settlement' at a reduced rate for those who complain that the amount is too high. It has been alleged that the officials are encouraging corruption through this. Ordinary people who are afraid to go to court will settle the issue by paying the amount demanded by the officials.