Unstarred Question No-253 was presented in Lok Sabha on February 2, 2026, addressing the alleged encroachment of Kerala University land by the AKG Centre. Shri Hibi Eden inquired whether the government is aware of reports regarding encroachment and illegal occupation of land belonging to the University of Kerala by a political organization for the construction and functioning of its State headquarters, known as the AKG Centre. He also asked if the government proposes a nationwide audit or review of land utilization by State Universities to identify encroachments or diversions. Furthermore, he asked if the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines regarding land use in universities and whether the "AKG Centre for Research Studies", Thiruvananthapuram, is recognized as a research institution by the UGC or any other Central regulatory body.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, answered that the competency to legislate on 'Land' falls under the State Government, per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of the concerned State Government and the University authorities under the relevant State laws. This matter pertains to the Kerala Government.
The issue is currently sub judice in the Hon'ble High Court of Kerala in WP(C) No. 54/2026.
Key Entities Referenced
University Grants Commission (UGC): An entity asked whether it has issued guidelines related to land vested in universities.
University of Kerala: The university whose land is allegedly encroached.
Kerala: State where the alleged encroachment took place and which has jurisdiction over land matters.
High Court of Kerala: Court where the issue of encroachment is sub judice.
Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India: Specifies that the competence to legislate on the subject matter 'Land' falls under the State Government by virtue of List II.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-253
ANSWERED ON- 02/02/2026
Alleged Encroachment of Kerala University Land by AKG Centre
253. Shri Hibi Eden:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of reports alleging encroachment and illegal
occupation of land belonging to the University of Kerala by a political organisation for
the construction and functioning of its State headquarters, known as the AKG Centre,
if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to conduct a nationwide audit or review of land
utilisation by State Universities to identify encroachments or diversions that adversely
affect academic and research infrastructure, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines or
regulations governing the alienation, diversion or change of use of land vested in
universities for non-educational, non-academic or commercial purposes, if so, the
details thereof; and
(d) whether the “AKG Centre for Research Studies”, Thiruvananthapuram, is
recognised as a research institution by the UGC or any other Central educational or
research regulatory body, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (d): The competency to legislate on subject matter 'Land' falls under the State
Government by virtue of List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution
of India. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of the concerned State Government
and the University authorities under the relevant State laws. This matter pertains to
Kerala Government.
At present the issue is sub judice in the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in WP(C) No.
54/2026.
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