Pandaram Lands

Pandaram land constitutes approximately 60% of the land in Lakshadweep, covering parts of Androth, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Agatti islands, as well as six uninhabited islands.

What is Pandaram Land?

• Pandaram land constitutes approximately 60% of the land in Lakshadweep, covering parts of Androth, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Agatti islands, as well as six uninhabited islands.
• The concept dates back to the rule of the Arakkals in the mid-1500s, and an agreement between Arakkal Aisha and islanders granted them rights to cultivable land.

Historical Transition of Ownership:

• During British rule, the policy regarding pandaram land was retained.
• After independence, the land temporarily came under the possession of the Indian government.
• In 1965, revenue and tenancy regulations were introduced, defining pandaram land as having administration proprietorship immediately before the legislation, signifying the end of government ownership.

Ownership and Compensation:

• Individuals who signed agreements during Arakkal Aisha’s time or the British era, and those whose names appeared in the 1965 land registry, own pandaram land.
• Compensation was provided by the government when acquiring land for development projects, such as the Agatti airport.

Ownership Application Process:

• To claim ownership, individuals had to apply for conformity of occupancy with the Lakshadweep administration.
• Between 1988 and 2013, applications were invited for occupancy rights, a process in which people actively participated.

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