Adivasi-Dalit groups push Kerala govt for comprehensive land reform

Social organisations representing Adivasi and Dalit communities in Kerala have called on the state government to establish a broader commission to formulate a comprehensive land reform policy, expressing concerns over the existing committee studying 'Land Reforms 2.0'.

The groups contend that the current framework for examining land reforms does not adequately represent marginalised communities and could ultimately serve corporate interests rather than address systemic landlessness affecting vulnerable populations.

In correspondence with the Congress-led United Democratic Front administration, the organisations have requested replacement of the existing committee with a more inclusive commission that would incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives, particularly from Adivasi and Dalit communities who have historically been disadvantaged in land ownership and agricultural livelihoods.

The push reflects broader concerns within Kerala's social sector regarding the direction and scope of proposed land policy reforms. Landlessness remains a significant challenge for marginalised communities across the state, with experts noting that effective reform requires robust participation from affected groups in policy design.

The state government has not yet responded publicly to the organisations' demands for restructuring the reform process.