Patna: Taking strict action against corruption, the Bihar revenue and land reforms department on Wednesday initiated departmental proceedings after framing charges against 14 circle officers (COs) and revenue officials in the state for their alleged involvement in corruption, negligence, and financial irregularities.
Zero-tolerance policy on corruption
Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said the Samrat government has a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. Charges have been framed for departmental proceedings against 14 COs, including a few who have already been suspended. The officers facing action are Anuj Kumar (Patliputra), Chandan Kumar (Danapur), Sanjeev Kumar Trivedi (Raghopur), Rakesh Kumar (former CO, Paliganj), Pankaj Kumar (Siswan), Buchi Kumari (former CO, Supaul Sadar), Raj Kishore Sharma (retired former CO, Gopalpur; with a 10% cut in pension amount for five years), Rajat Kumar Barnwal (Gopalganj), Amlesh Kumar (Ekma), Kumari Anchal (CO, Chhapra Sadar), Anil Kumar (former CO, Bairiya), Satish Kumar Singh (Isuapur, Saran), Rishika (suspended, former CO, Kanti), and Rakesh Kumar (suspended, former CO, Patarghat, Saharsa).
Review of revenue operations
The minister, who reviewed revenue-related operations via videoconferencing on Wednesday in the districts of Katihar, East Champaran, and Gopalganj, reprimanded officials for their low rankings and warned them to prepare for disciplinary action if their work performance did not improve within the next 15 days. Department secretary Jai Singh directed officials from the districts concerned to ensure completion of all pending tasks within the stipulated timeframe. The district magistrates, additional district magistrates, and COs of the respective districts were present during the videoconference.
Complaints and investigations
According to departmental sources, complaints had been lodged against all these officers. Inquiry reports found the allegations against them true, including irregularities in the disposal of land-related cases, delays in the mutation (dakhil-kharij) process, and corruption. Acting on these reports, the department framed charges against all 14 officers and initiated further disciplinary proceedings.
Jaiswal said the government will not tolerate corruption or negligence at any level. He stated that the officers facing action were subject to various types of complaints. While some faced allegations of irregularities in land-related matters, others faced serious charges of financial impropriety and negligence in the discharge of their duties. Action was initiated only after the allegations were substantiated during the course of the investigations, he added.
