In a bold declaration that has sent ripples through Bihar's political landscape, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has asserted that he harbors no fear of death, emphasizing that his crusade against the state's entrenched land mafia will proceed with unwavering intensity. Speaking on the sidelines of an event commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, Sinha delivered a powerful message, underscoring his resolve to dismantle corrupt networks that have long plagued the land and revenue systems.
A Defiant Stance Against Corruption
Sinha's remarks were both defiant and resolute, as he stated, "I am ready to face death. I want to send a clear message to the mafia that I have entered this fight with complete determination and resolve." He further warned that any departmental officer or employee opposing his anti-mafia campaign would be viewed as acting in the interests of land mafias, brokers, and middlemen, highlighting the deep-seated corruption within the system.
Targeting Corrupt Officials
The Deputy CM indicated that corrupt circle officers and other officials could face suspension, stressing that no one would be spared if evidence was found against them. This comes in response to numerous complaints raised during his recent public interactions, where citizens alleged widespread corruption in block offices and a nexus between officials and land mafias to illegally seize government and private properties, subsequently registering them in their names in official records.
Interestingly, during the BJP's regular public grievance redressal program at his residence, a former Congress MLA approached Sinha, seeking his intervention in a case where a relative had allegedly encroached upon her house. Sinha assured her that justice would be ensured, demonstrating his commitment to addressing individual grievances as part of his broader reform agenda.
Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
Sinha reiterated that his primary objective is to ensure that land reforms reach the public in a transparent and efficient manner. He categorically stated that land mafias and corruption would not be tolerated under any circumstances, signaling a zero-tolerance policy aimed at restoring integrity to Bihar's land administration.
Extension of Farmer Registry Campaign
Meanwhile, in a related development, the revenue department has extended the deadline for the farmer registry campaign, which is being jointly implemented with the agriculture department, until February 4. This initiative is designed to provide farmers with a unique digital identity, enabling them to access a wide array of benefits through a single digital platform.
Under this scheme, farmers will be able to avail themselves of programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, crop insurance schemes, Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), agricultural grants and assistance, and timely compensation for crop damage. This move is seen as a step towards modernizing agricultural support systems and ensuring that farmers receive their entitlements without bureaucratic hurdles.
Sinha's unwavering stance against land mafia and corruption, coupled with proactive measures like the farmer registry campaign, underscores a concerted effort to bring about systemic changes in Bihar's land and revenue sectors, aiming for greater accountability and public welfare.
