MLA of Madikeri Assembly constituency, Dr. Mantar Gowda, was felicitated by various organisations and citizens of Kodagu district in recognition of his role in introducing and securing the passage of an amendment to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, providing a long-awaited solution to the Jamma land issue in Kodagu.
The felicitation ceremony was held at the Lions Association Hall in Madikeri, where Dr. Mantar Gowda was honoured with shawls, fruit tambuls and mementoes.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mantar Gowda said sustained efforts had been made to bring the centuries-old Jamma land issue faced by Kodagu farmers to a logical and legal conclusion. He acknowledged the role of Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, multiple discussions and presentations in the legislature led to the amendment becoming law.
He explained that the amendment would enable farmers to obtain RTCs, access bank and cooperative loans, crop insurance, compensation for crop damage and other government benefits. He noted that although many lands in Kodagu are recorded in the names of leaseholders, families cultivating plantations have faced difficulties due to the absence of RTCs, a problem the amendment seeks to address. Dr. Mantar Gowda emphasized that land should be preserved and not sold, adding that while all systems have loopholes, corrective measures have been taken and the amendment would particularly benefit small farmers. He also highlighted the non-partisan cooperation extended by both ruling and opposition members in passing the amendment.
Pointing out that no comprehensive survey of Jamma lands had been conducted for several years, he stressed the need for a re-survey and proper boundary demarcation, and said efforts would also be made to resolve issues related to ‘C’ and ‘D’ category lands. Reaffirming his commitment to farmers, he said the government, with the support of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, stood firmly with the farming community and emphasized the importance of proper implementation by officials.
Speaking on the occasion, T.P. Ramesh noted that the Uniform Land Act had not been implemented in Kodagu, leaving the issue unresolved for decades, and praised the government and district MLAs for addressing the grievances of Jamma tenants. Advocate M.A. Niranjan suggested appointing a KAS-rank special revenue officer to oversee implementation of the new law and called for discussions on land ownership rights.
Thenana Rajesh of the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Union, Thennira Maina, Chummi Devaiah and Nanda Belyappa of the Coorg Plantation Association lauded the amendment, stating that it would benefit farmers and help resolve a long-standing issue.
Madikeri Urban Development Authority Chairman Rajesh Yallappa, along with several prominent citizens, representatives of organisations and members of the public, were present.
