LAHORE, May 4: Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has asked all the EDOs (revenue) to complete arrangements for the distribution of the government land among landless tillers and homeless people by May 15 or face action.

This was stated by Punjab Colonies Minister Mian Manazar Ali Ranjha while presiding over a meeting here on Tuesday. "The government intends to distribute over 100,000 acres among landless farmers and five-marla plots among homeless people," he said.

According to the minister, the chief minister had made it clear that those failing to prepare lists of the available land by the deadline would have to face action. The officials discussed the availability of land for both the schemes in all the districts, and preparation of five-marla plots.

The minister expressed his displeasure over non-production of the relevant record by some EDOs, warning that those found delaying the process would be dealt with an iron fist. He said the schemes had been prepared to create employment opportunities for thousands of people and provide shelter to many others.

He directed the officials to locate extra land of all the departments so that it could be distributed among people. Every EDO (revenue) should issue certificates about the authenticity of the information in the state land directory, he asked.