THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major initiative to modernize the state’s decade-old land administration system, the Kerala Government has constituted an expert panel to examine and recommend comprehensive revisions to the landmark Kerala Land Reforms Act of 1963. Former Land Revenue Commissioner A.T. James IAS (Retd.) has been appointed as the Chairperson of the newly formed committee.
The order (G.O.(Rt) No.1880/2026/RD) was issued by Principal Secretary (Revenue) Tinku Biswal.
This step fulfills a key promise made in the Governor’s policy address, which committed to updating antiquated land laws, preventing the arbitrary eviction of farmers, and issuing unconditional land titles (pattayam). The initiative also aims to scientifically reform land-use regulations—allowing crop diversification in plantations without harming their natural ecology—and removing administrative hurdles that have delayed titles for long-term landholders.
Committee Members:
Shri A.T. James IAS (Retd.) (Former Land Revenue Commissioner) – Chairperson
Shri L. Aloysius Thomas Lenthaparambil (Former Government Pleader, Kaloor, Kochi) – Member
Shri Sabu M.S. (Deputy Collector (Retd.), Kudappanakkunnu, Thiruvananthapuram) – Member
Representative of the Law Department (Officer of Joint Secretary rank or above) – Member
Secretary, Land Board – Member SecretaryThe committee has been tasked with assessing whether to amend the existing framework or draft comprehensive new legislation. The specific Terms of Reference (ToR) detailing the committee’s mandate will be issued through a separate government order shortly.
