Haryana Revenue Officers Call Off Strike Following High-Level Meeting
In a significant development for the real estate sector in Haryana, tehsildars and naib tehsildars have officially withdrawn their strike after a crucial meeting with Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Sumita Misra at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Tuesday. The officers have announced they will resume their duties starting Wednesday, bringing relief to thousands of property buyers and sellers across the state.
Background of the Strike and Government Intervention
The strike was initiated by revenue officers in response to criminal and administrative actions taken against them by various government and law enforcement agencies over the past two months. This protest had severely impacted property transactions, with over 11,000 registries pending in revenue offices statewide. In an attempt to mitigate the disruption, the government had previously directed sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) and district revenue officers (DROs) to temporarily assume the roles of tehsildars, but this measure proved ineffective in addressing the backlog.
Accompanied by Dr. Yash Pal, Director General of Revenue and Land Consolidation, Sumita Misra engaged in detailed discussions with a delegation of revenue officers, which included patwaris and district revenue officers who were also affected. She provided a patient hearing to their concerns and assured them that their grievances would be examined sympathetically and in accordance with the law.
Government's Response and Assurances
Following the dialogue, the government acknowledged that some of the officers' concerns warranted careful examination by competent authorities. Sumita Misra emphasized that due process would be followed, with every matter being considered objectively and fairly. She highlighted the critical role of revenue officers as the backbone of the administrative system, noting that several departments rely heavily on their work for smooth operations.
Sumita Misra also recognized the increasing workload and rising public expectations that often place significant pressure on these officers. She pointed out that incorrect or misleading narratives could adversely affect their morale, underscoring the need for transparent communication. To address these issues, she reiterated the department's policy of actively involving field officers in new initiatives and committed to institutionalizing consultations with revenue officers. This move aims to foster regular dialogue between field and headquarters, thereby eliminating communication gaps and preventing misunderstandings.
Commitments for a Supportive Work Environment
Assuring a positive and supportive work environment, Sumita Misra urged officers to continue discharging their duties strictly within the legal framework and to promptly communicate any difficulties encountered while performing official responsibilities. She stressed that transparent and timely communication is essential for resolving issues before they escalate into larger problems.
Additionally, it was assured during the meeting that an inter-departmental committee of officers would be constituted to enhance coordination and address policy-related matters more effectively. This step is expected to streamline operations and improve the overall efficiency of the revenue department.
The resolution of this strike marks a pivotal moment for Haryana's administrative and real estate sectors, promising a return to normalcy in property registries and reinforcing the importance of collaborative governance in addressing workforce challenges.
