Land reforms not to be scrapped: CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 22 (UNI) Amidst reports that the land reforms, a landmark of the Communist Government in Kerala which had transferred agrarian power to the agricultural labourers and poor peasants, were outdated, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today made it clear that they would not be scrapped.

Talking to newspersons here, he said, ''the land reforms brought by the first Kerala Government led by the Communist party was a revolution in itself. It has helped to change the social scenario of the state. But the reforms are not complete and efforts are needed for fulfilling it.'' There were reports that the State Industries Department had recommended the reversal of Land Reforms Law as it had become outdated.

Stating that no such recommendation was received by him, Mr Achuthanandan said he had also read it in the media.

Welcoming investors for starting industries in the state, he stressed that anyone, who wanted to invest in the state had to directly talk to the government and not to think of other easy ways.

He also pointed out that all the government lands, of which the lease period had expired would be confiscated. Some were now trying to sell the leased land and this would not be tolerated, he added.

UNI