Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took a historic decision to resolve the ‘khasmahal’ land issue in Jatni area of Khurda district. He has given direction to resolve the ‘khasmahal’ land problem and distribute pattas (RoR) to the people.

The decision came following 5T Secretary V P Pandian’s visit to Khurda district where he had received several land-related grievances from the people. ‘Khasmahal’ land issue was among the problems which came to his knowledge.

People had apprised him about the long-standing problem in the area and the 5T Secretary informed the Chief Minister about the issue. A high-level meeting was held on Monday on the direction of the Chief Minister to settle the issue.

Chief Secretary P K Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue department, Satyabrat Sahu, Khurda Collector, V K Pandian and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

Khurda district Collector was asked to take steps to find a permanent solution to the land-related issue within three months and distribute pattas to the people in December, this year. The decision taken by the government will benefit 537 families, an official release said.

Similarly, problems related to land ownership are being faced in Bhubaneswar for the last over 60 years. As many as 10543 cases are pending before different revenue courts. It was decided at the meeting that the problem would be solved on the basis of the SOP laid down by the Task Force of the Revenue department.