Bihar Deputy CM Takes Stern Action, Suspends Three Circle Officers
In a significant administrative move, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who also oversees the revenue and land reforms department, has suspended three more circle officers (COs) over the weekend. The action, taken on Friday and Saturday, targets officials accused of serious dereliction of duty and non-compliance with government directives.
Officers Suspended Across Multiple Districts
The suspended officers have been identified as Rahul Kumar from Buxar Sadar, Harsha Komal from Shahkund in Bhagalpur district, and Dolly Kumari from Dumra block in Sitamarhi. According to departmental officials, the suspensions were implemented for allegedly creating obstacles during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's ongoing Samriddhi Yatra and for openly defying specific departmental orders.
This latest disciplinary measure brings the total number of suspended circle and revenue officers in the state to six. Earlier, three other officials faced suspension for participating in an unauthorized strike, highlighting the government's firm stance against insubordination.
Multiple Allegations of Professional Failure
The revenue department has leveled several serious allegations against the suspended officers. A primary charge is their failure to submit crucial allocation expenditure statements and utilization certificates to the Accountant General's office by the March deadline. This administrative lapse has reportedly hindered financial oversight and accountability.
Furthermore, the officers are accused of not complying with court orders related to the removal of illegal encroachments. This inaction has been construed as amounting to contempt of court, adding a legal dimension to their professional misconduct.
Ongoing Strike and Government Warnings
The suspensions occur against the backdrop of a nearly month-long strike by circle officers and revenue officers across Bihar. Deputy CM Sinha has repeatedly appealed to the striking officials to resume their duties, emphasizing the disruption to public service delivery.
A clear ultimatum was issued, warning that officers failing to rejoin duty by Friday evening would face strict disciplinary action. The government has also cautioned that if the strike persists, the services of the participating officials could be treated as discontinued. Such a step would lead to severe consequences, including the loss of promotion-related benefits and other career advancements.
The series of suspensions signal the state administration's determination to enforce discipline and ensure the smooth functioning of the revenue and land reforms machinery, especially during the Chief Minister's public outreach program.
