THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite repeating that constructions besides the houses on Patta land will be regularized, the government has not provided the explanation requested by the governor in the 'Government Land Assignment amendment bill' passed by the assembly.

Earlier this month, the governor sought an explanation from the government regarding the complaints received against the bill but has not received a reply yet. Raj Bhavan rejected Revenue Minister K Rajan's claim that he was not aware that the Governor had sought an explanation on the bill or forwarded the complaints received at the Raj Bhavan to the government.

Among the complaints received by the governor is that most of the illegal constructions in Munnar and hilly areas are commercial establishments and the law amendment is intended to protect large constructions and party offices. The complaint also states that the Bill is intended to bypass the restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court on commercial and industrial constructions in Patta land. Complaints were also received that the amendment of the law would be beneficial for big companies. An explanation was sought from the government in these matters.

The district administration found 226 illegal constructions in 8 villages of Munnar and reported them to the High Court. Most of the illegal constructions are in Patta land in Idukki Devikulam taluk. Even constructions blocked by the High Court will be regularized through the bill. There is also a complaint that there is no clarity in the bill about quarries and resorts on Pattaya land. The aim is to regularize illegal constructions by amending sub-section 4A of Section 4 of the Kerala Land Assignment Act.

'The common people will benefit by regularizing the constructions on patta land. The exemption will be for constructions for livelihood. Anything beyond that is yet to come as part of the law. In the case of commercial and industrial structures, certain fees including cess will be charged but 90 percent of common people will not have any problem. Cess will be collected from the owners of large buildings. Special consideration will be given to schools, places of worship, hospitals and tourism.' (from what Chief Minister said in Idukki on Saturday)