THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After Kerala Kaumudi published news about 1.5 lakh pending land conversion files, the Revenue department has taken vigorous measures. Only 20,287 files remain to be settled now.

The special scheme, which has started for file settlement, is to be completed on November 30. Between September 21 and October 22, another 10,232 applications were resolved. That is 90.20 per cent.

The Sub-Collectors/ RDOs have been given strict instructions to complete the disposal of pending applications less than 1000 by October 31 and above 1000 by November 15. A special plan will be set up for the settlement at Fort Kochi RDO Office as the maximum number of applications (9930) are pending there.

Similar procedures may be required for online applications which started last January. The number of applications is rising sharply. 1,51,421 applications have been received till October 22. Only 9,452 of them were settled. Within one month 16,682 applications were submitted. If the term of temporary employees is extended by six months, this can also be resolved.

In many places, the settlement is delayed due to non-availability of the inspection report from the agriculture officers on time. The Commissioner of Land Revenue has written to the Director of Agriculture asking for immediate action on this.