Ganjam, Sep 15: In a major step toward land rights and inclusive governance, the Revenue Department organized a land patta distribution program at the Kanishi Tehsil office in Ganjam district.

The event saw the presence of Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari as the chief guest, with Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena attending as a distinguished guest.

A total of 1,107 beneficiaries from 13 regions under Kanishi Tehsil received land pattas. These included 184 Gramkantak pattas, 893 Column-2 correction pattas, 25 homestead pattas, and 5 under the Vasundhara Yojana. Many of these beneficiaries had long been denied land rights due to administrative hurdles, which the new government has actively worked to resolve.

Minister Pujari highlighted the government’s commitment to tribal communities and forest dwellers, stating that those cultivating or residing on forest land prior to 2005 will be granted rights under the Forest Rights Act. He also emphasized the digitization of revenue services, including mobile app access, allowing citizens to avail services from home.

The minister revealed that over 23,000 educational institutions in Odisha have already received land pattas. He instructed the district administration to allocate land for future expansion of institutions like Berhampur University and Khallikote College, envisioning satellite campuses over the next 50 years.

Additionally, schools lacking playgrounds due to land constraints will be allotted up to 2 acres from nearby revenue land. The minister praised the progress of the Revenue Department in Berhampur and assured that within five years, Ganjam will be free of revenue-related issues.