Begin podi process for farmers’ land after monsoon: Revenue min | Mangaluru News

Udupi: Revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda directed the officials to begin the podi process for land allotted to farmers immediately after the monsoon and ensure that the work is completed for at least 10,000 beneficiaries. He chaired a progress review meeting of the revenue department at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium on Wednesday.The minister expressed dissatisfaction that land approved for farmers over the past 20 to 50 years was not adequately documented as podi in revenue records. He instructed district officials to convene meetings with village accountants, revenue inspectors, and tahsildars to accelerate the podi process. Byre Gowda said the digitisation of land records under the “Pauti Khata” system already began across the state, including Udupi district, but the progress is slow. The district needs to digitise records for 2.9 lakh land parcels. He pointed out that land listed under the names of deceased individuals disqualifies farmers from accessing govt schemes and subsidies. The process must be prioritised, and district officials must ensure steady progress.On the issue of lightning-related deaths, the minister noted that over 70 people die annually in Karnataka due to lightning strikes. A lack of awareness about safe shelter during storms contributes to these deaths. He urged authorities to educate the public and activate panchayat-level task force committees during the monsoon, stressing the need for consistent year-on-year efforts.In cases where houses are completely damaged due to heavy rain, the minister said relief funds should be released and houses sanctioned under the Devaraj Urs Housing scheme. Revenue officials have the authority to approve and implement such decisions. He also addressed the issue of damaged roads and stressed the importance of pothole repair for public convenience. While minor repair works do not attract large grants, officials were instructed to submit proposals under NDRF guidelines to receive necessary approvals.The minister expressed disappointment that out of 687 eligible beneficiaries under the Bagar Hukum scheme, only nine received land title deeds. He instructed officials to ensure all eligible individuals receive title deeds by Aug 15. Under the Bhoosuraksha project, the computerisation of revenue records is lagging in Udupi compared to neighbouring districts. Officials were urged to expedite the work and not make unnecessary excuses for delays. The minister noted that most village accountants already received laptops and should now perform all tasks through the e-office system.