Govt. serious about solving deemed forest issue: Revenue minister R Ashok

Bengaluru: Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashok assured on October 22 that the deemed forest issue in the state will be largely resolved after holding talks between the revenue and forest department.

In an exclusive interview in “Udayavani Samvaada,” the minister agreed that there were issues relating to lands known as Kumki, Jamma, Soppina Betta, etc. in coastal-Malnad regions including Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, and Kodagu.  “There is a problem in granting land title to those who have been cultivating these lands for many years. In some cases, the litigation has even reached the doors of the Supreme Court. Therefore, the government is seriously considering issuing land title deeds to those living in these areas at government guidance rate,” he said.

The revenue minister also assured that the land revoked from cashew growers will be returned. The government will charge a property guidance value for the same, he added.

Elaborating about the issues of those living in the forest areas, Ashok said, “There are disputes between the forest and revenue departments in about 9 lakh hectares of land. Out of which, Talks were held with the forest department to relinquish 6 lakh hectares to the revenue department. Once the revenue department gets these lands under its control, unauthorized residents and farmers will be given lands based on suitable guidance rates.”

He also mentioned that the pension money is being disbursed every month into the accounts of beneficiaries who have linked Aadhaar cards. “This has saved Rs 400 crores to the exchequer. Since the government has the list of those aged 60 and above, timely distribution of pension in the state has been possible. This year we added 2.5 lakh new pension beneficiaries,” he said.