THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 52,000 applications out of 130,000 applications pending for property conversion were settled by the Revenue Department through special procedures. The remaining 78,000 paper applications are expected to be settled by November. Soon after Kerala Kaumudi published a report regarding the pending applications, Revenue Minister K Rajan directly intervened and started an intense drive from March 15 to settle the applications. He assured the assembly that it would be completed within six months. Its first progress report was published on the 23rd of last month.

In order to expedite the work, appointment orders have been issued for 150 persons in Ernakulam through the Employment Exchange. 39 people have been recruited in Kasargod. The interview is in progress in Kottayam. The written test for candidates will be held in Thiruvananthapuram district tomorrow and in Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Idukki districts on April 30. Proceedings are progressing in other districts as well.

Started getting vehicles

Collectors had been instructed to hire 340 vehicles to expedite site inspections. Two or three village offices will be allotted one vehicle each. Although vehicle owners were initially reluctant to take on the contract due to the increase in diesel prices, village offices have started getting vehicles through the intervention of RDOs.

Kozhikode received the highest number of vehicles (25).Pathanamthitta (16), Alappuzha (19), Idukki (14), Kottayam (13), Thiruvananthapuram (5) and Kollam (3). Action has been taken in other districts as well. The government will pay Rs 32,000 per month per vehicle including rent, driver's salary and fuel. At least 2000 km should be covered every month.

Bribery

Meanwhile, there are widespread complaints that officials are demanding bribes for property conversion. The intermediaries of officials are approaching people demanding money to expedite the process.