91 ST families get title deeds

 
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Hemalatha informed that while about 2,000 applications were received for title deeds, 400 have been sorted out. The applicants who belong to ST community staying in a particular piece of land since 2005 are eligible to apply for the title deeds under the Forest Rights Act. Meanwhile, SC and other communities should prove their stay in the area for a period of 75 years. They can apply for the title deed only if they have any valid evidences to prove their 75 years of stay, she said adding that existance of old trees, wells, walls of the house and substantial proof from senior members in the family will be considered.

The DC said that one who owns the title deed is eligible for the rights over the land, but they will have no right to sell the property. Those who were not able to procure the title deeds can go for higher appeal too, she added.

Earlier inaugurating the programme, the Third Finnace Commission Implementation Task Force Committee Chairman A G Kodgi emphasised that justice should be ensured to people, who live in naxal prone areas, while implementing welfare programmes of the government. He said that there is no dearth of funds to implement welfare schemes in naxal prone areas.

Several development programmes are being introduced for the welfare of the people. However, schemes do not reach people properly due to the lackadaisical attitude of the officials. Laws should be introduced to safeguard the interest of layman, he said.

Kodgi said mere distribution of title deeds to people is not enough, but at the same time, measures should be taken to introduce other development programmes. Officials should come forward and try to accomplish the provisions of welfare programmes to the people concerned, he added. A total of 91 ST community families from Hallihole,
Shankarnarayana, Arji, Hosangadi, Siddhapura, and Keradi villages recieved the title deeds on the occasion.