Delay in Distribution of Slum Board Title Deeds Leaves 263 Families in Limbo

Raichur: A significant delay by the Karnataka Slum Development Board in distributing title deeds to 263 families in Maski has left many low-income residents in a state of uncertainty and frustration. These families, who have lived in Gandhi Nagar’s Survey No. 7/1 for over 30 to 40 years, are now struggling to secure the promised legal ownership of their homes.

The land, which was formally declared a slum area, had been scheduled for a title deed distribution ceremony on August 29, 2024. However, the event was abruptly cancelled, leaving the families in shock. Slum Board officials explained that the ceremony was called off after receiving an informal directive from the Housing Minister, who cited that the land in Survey No. 7/1 had been designated as Waqf property.

Many of the affected families, mostly low-wage labourers, had already paid a bank fee of ₹1,000 for Scheduled Caste and Backward Class families, and ₹2,000 for general category families, in order to secure their title deeds. Since the cancellation, these families have been running from one government office to another, seeking answers and wondering when they will finally receive the legal documents they had been promised.

In 2023, the then-District Collector had formally recognised Survey No. 7/1 as Slum Board property, a step that was expected to pave the way for title deed distribution for 263 out of the 300 families living there. Local resident Huseinappa B. Vibhuti pointed out that while the Slum Board had committed to issuing deeds to a portion of the families, it was essential that all 306 families living in the area receive their title deeds as well.

Turuvihaala MLA R. Basanagouda, responding to the issue, assured residents that the Slum Board would work with the Housing Minister to ensure that title deeds were distributed without further delay. “We will ensure that the process is expedited, and all eligible families receive their due documents soon,” he said.

Former MLA Pratapgouda Patil also weighed in, stressing that during his tenure, he had worked to resolve legal challenges concerning Survey No. 7/1. He urged the Slum Board to act promptly in distributing the title deeds, calling it a necessary step for the welfare of the residents. “The delay is causing unnecessary hardships. The board must fulfil its commitment without further hindrances,” Patil added.

The delay in issuing title deeds has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of its most vulnerable citizens. With over 263 families waiting for their rights to be formalised, residents and political leaders are now pushing for swift action to resolve the issue.