THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Land Assignment ACT amendment bill was passed not to approve land encroachment. Encroachment and migration are poles part and are two different things, said Revenue Minister K Rajan on Monday.

The minister said in a press conference that the government will not accept encroachment.

The amendment empowers the government to change the existing rules to legalize those constructions that were built in contravention of the leasehold provisions.

“The news that the governor did not sign the bill because of rising complaints is absolutely ridiculous and wrong. I don’t know about any clarification sought by Raj Bhavan on the issue.” The minister also said that he was not aware of complaints coming before the officers.

“ If the governor is still stuck with doubts I am ready to clear the air. The rule will be made only after the governor signs the bill. Anyway, the government won’t move against the interest of the common people. There is also a smear campaign saying that the government will take money to regularize constructions, which is appalling” the Minister said.

The digital survey is progressing well. So far 1.53 lakh hectares of land have been measured. This government issued 1,22,297 land ownership deeds during this time. The property Adalats attended by officers and Ministers in four districts have been completed. The Minister also said that through this amendment bill, the obstacles within Colony areas and Outlying lands can be solved.