Thiruvananthapuram, September 30
The Kerala Government on Tuesday tabled the Kerala Single Dwelling Place Protection Bill, 2025 in the Assembly, seeking to safeguard families from losing their only house in loan recovery proceedings.
The Bill, presented by Minister for Industries, Law and Coir P Rajeev, on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ensures that if a family's sole residence is attached by banks, cooperative societies or other financial institutions due to loan default, the State Government will intervene to repay the dues fully or partially.
"This is a Bill of historic importance. Unfortunately, it was tabled amid noisy protests," P Rajeev said in the House, as the Opposition UDF disrupted proceedings. The Bill was referred to the Assembly Subject Committee, which will examine the provisions before it returns for debate next week.
The Bill lays down strict eligibility conditions as, loan amount should not exceed Rs 5 lakh, with total dues capped at Rs 10 lakh, the family must not own other properties or repayment means, land ownership should be within five cents in urban areas or 10 cents in rural areas, Annual family income should not exceed Rs 3 lakh, loans must have been availed for education, treatment, marriage, house construction/renovation, agriculture, or self-employment, Families must not have transferred property post-loan, Aadhaar possession is mandatory.
The proposed Act envisages a two-tier protection mechanism, a District-Level Dwelling Place Protection Committee (DLDPPC) chaired by the District Development Commissioner, which will conduct preliminary inquiries, conciliation, and recommend relief; and a State-Level Dwelling Place Protection Committee (SLDPPC) chaired by the Planning and Economic Affairs Secretary, empowered to settle liabilities, pay back lenders through district collectors, and return title deeds once attachment is terminated.
According to the proposed bill, repayment by the debtor's family is impossible, the SLDPPC can recommend Government takeover of dues, either fully or partially. It may also rehabilitate affected families under state housing schemes.
The bill proposes that persons may appeal SLDPPC decisions before the Chief Secretary or an Additional Chief Secretary within 30 working days.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the intention is good, I'm concerned about misuse. People might transfer properties to relatives before applying. The Aadhaar requirement should help, but implementation will be key. Hope the committees are strict about verification.
As someone who saw neighbors lose their home after the breadwinner's illness, this bill gives me hope. The two-tier committee system with district and state levels seems well-thought-out. Hope other states follow Kerala's lead! â¤ï¸
The loan limit of ₹5 lakh might be too low in today's economy, especially for medical treatments. A heart surgery can easily cost more. They should consider increasing this limit or having different caps for different purposes.
Why was the opposition protesting? This is exactly the kind of pro-poor legislation we need. Protecting families from homelessness should be above politics. Shame on those disrupting such important discussions.
The rehabilitation aspect under state housing schemes is crucial. It's not just about saving homes but ensuring families have proper shelter. This comprehensive approach is commendable. ðŸ‘
I appreciate the appeal provision to Chief Secretary. This ensures there's a check on the committee's decisions. 30 working days is sufficient time for genuine cases to seek
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.