Tribal families in Kerala's Nelliyampathy still denied land tax rights six years after getting pattayas
The land ownership titles, or pattayas, were distributed in 2018 to 127 tribal families from the Malasar and Irular communities during a highly publicised government function in Palakkad by the then government. The gesture was seen as a long-overdue acknowledgement of their fight for land, which began in 2002 - a few weeks ahead of the well-known Muthanga land agitation.
'It took 16 long years for the authorities to finally allot one acre each to 127 families,' 52-year-old Manoharan told TNIE.
'Today, 186 families are living on the land, which was once part of the state-run Nelliyampathy Orange Farm. But even now, we can't pay land tax in our names. What kind of ownership is this?'
The problem, according to officials, lies in the fact that the allotted land was originally classified as a forest village. The subdivision records necessary to complete the transfer of ownership are still being prepared. As a result, local village offices have refused to process tax payments, citing jurisdictional limitations under the forest department.
'This is not just about land tax. It's about dignity, recognition, and the right to live without fear of eviction,' said V S Prasad, a local political leader who has been supporting the tribal community's demands. 'Without proper documents and recognition, these families remain vulnerable, despite the pattayas in their hands.'
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