All social security pension beneficiaries whose pensions were sanctioned by Velloor Grama Panchayat on or before December 31, 2025, must complete the mandatory e-mustering through Akshaya Centres by September 30, 2026.
History of Grama Panchayat

History of the Grama Panchayat

The Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924 and the national movement that began to gain strength thereafter had a significant impact on this region as well. It is worth recording in history that Swathanthra Samudayam, a book written by E. Madhavan (Malikayil) of Velloor, was banned during the rule of Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer. The present-day Velloor Grama Panchayat originated as Mevelloor Panchayat on 15 August 1953. At that time, it included the areas of Kalambur, Thonnalloor, Varikkamkunnu, Vadakara, Karippadam, Irumbayam, Keevelloor, and Mevelloor. In the first election held in 1953, the governing committee led by Paulose Thattarkeri came to power. In 1956, the Kalambur area was added to Piravom Panchayat. The first election after the panchayat assumed its present form was held in 1963, following which a governing committee led by Sivashankara Nair was formed.

As in other parts of Kerala, the rigidity of the caste system was also prevalent here. Most of the land was owned by upper-caste landlords and the Devaswom. At one time, people belonging to the lower castes did not even have the freedom to walk along the streets surrounding the Vaikom Temple. It was against this injustice that the Vaikom Satyagraha was held in 1924, with leaders including Mahatma Gandhi participating. As part of the national movement against untouchability, the Vaikom Satyagraha had a profound influence on this region, which was then part of Vaikom Taluk.

The waves of the social reform movement that emerged during the post-independence period also reached Velloor. As a result, several arts associations and libraries were established and became active. Libraries that were functioning well in the 1950s in places such as Velloor and Varikkamkunnu, along with associated arts associations, played an important role in the cultural life of the region. Artists, including women, formed drama troupes and actively participated in theatrical activities.

Velloor is situated in the border region that once separated the erstwhile princely states of Travancore and Cochin. The remains of a trench near Illickotta, which once marked the boundary between these two important kingdoms of old Kerala, can still be seen. It is believed that this fort was constructed under the direct supervision of Ramayyan Dalawa, who served as the Dewan of Travancore. Boundary stones known as “Ko-Ti-Kallu,” which marked the boundary between the princely states of Cochin and Travancore, still remain intact in many places.

The region is home to several places of worship with a long and rich heritage. Among the prominent ones are Perumthat Siva Temple, Velloor Vamanaswamy Temple, Mevelloor Thrikkayil Temple, Ganapathippara Temple at Karippadam, and the CSI churches at Vadakara and Irumbayam. Perumthat Siva Temple is one of the 108 famous Siva temples of Kerala. After remaining in a dilapidated condition for many years, the temple has now been renovated. Its Sivaratri festival is celebrated with great distinction.

The Velloor Vamanaswamy Temple is one of the rare temples in Kerala with a sanctum sanctorum of a distinctive elephant-back-shaped design (gajaprishta). It is traditionally believed to have been built by Perumthachan. The temple also has the rare distinction of not using elephants or fireworks as part of its celebrations.

Other major places of worship within the panchayat include the Holy Family Church at Velloor, the Muslim mosques at Velloor and Vettikkattumukku, the Indiran Chirakkal Temple and Erattanikkavu at Varikkamkunnu, the CSI Church at Neerpāra, the Sree Krishna Temple at Cherukara, St. Mary’s Church at Mevelloor, and the Pechiyamman Kovil at Thonnalloor. Annual festivals are held at these places, attracting people from different castes and religions. Among the noteworthy traditional ritual art forms performed here are Gandharvan Pattu and Mudiyettu, which are conducted at Changammathayil and Padinjatt Kavu.

Velloor Grama Panchayat is located in Velloor Village, Kaduthuruthy Block, Vaikom Taluk, in Kottayam district. The panchayat covers an area of 19.29 square kilometres. Its boundaries are as follows:

  • East: Mulakulam Panchayat

  • North: Amballur, Edakkattuvayal, and Piravom Panchayats in Ernakulam district

  • South: Thalayolaparambu, Maravanthuruthu, and Mulakulam Panchayats

  • West: Chempu, Maravanthuruthu, and Amballur Panchayats in Ernakulam district

The scenic beauty of the region is enhanced by its riverbanks, valleys, and hilly areas, which extend along both banks of the Muvattupuzha River as it flows approximately through the centre of the panchayat. The highest point in the panchayat is Chemmanchi Mala, located along the north-eastern boundary, rising to an elevation of more than 60 metres. The riverbank areas of the Muvattupuzha River lie at an elevation of approximately 5 to 7 metres above sea level.

Extensive paddy fields, abundant coconut trees, spices, fruit trees, agricultural labourers, and their harvest songs are all deeply interwoven into the agricultural history of Velloor. Once an agricultural village, Velloor gained industrial importance with the establishment of the Hindustan Newsprint Factory, one of the largest newsprint manufacturing plants in Asia.

The completion of the Vettikkattumukku Bridge in 1971 marked a major turning point in the region’s transportation facilities. With the introduction of numerous bus services along this route, travel to Ernakulam, Vaikom, Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam, and other places became easier. The construction of the Kolothu Bridge further transformed the Vettikkattumukku–Mulakulam Road into an important travel route.