Revenue services across Chhattisgarh faced severe disruption on Monday as approximately 500 tehsildars and naib tehsildars initiated an indefinite pen-down strike. The protestors are demanding strict action against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and his supporters following the alleged assault of a revenue officer in Surguja district.
Widespread Impact on Revenue Work
The strike brought all revenue-related activities to a standstill across the state, causing significant hardship to the public. Tehsildars and naib tehsildars, who form the backbone of Chhattisgarh's revenue administration, have joined the indefinite protest. Revenue work in 146 tehsils and sub-tehsils has been affected, including mutation cases, caste and income certificate applications, revenue court matters, land acquisition proceedings, and beneficiary verification processes.
Background of the Incident
The protest stems from an alleged altercation on May 27 in Sitapur, where Naib Tehsildar Tushar Manik accused Toppo and his supporters of assaulting him and obstructing him from performing his official duties. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among government employees.
Chhattisgarh Kanisth Prashasanik Seva Sangathan president Krishna Kumar Lahare stated that the association had submitted a memorandum through district collectors seeking action against those involved but received no assurance from the government. “We have begun an indefinite strike demanding action against the accused, including the MLA. The public will bear the brunt of the disruption if the issue remains unresolved,” Lahare said.
Government Response and Political Fallout
A meeting between Sangh representatives and the revenue department secretary was held on Monday. Lahare described the discussion as positive but said members would decide later whether to continue the strike. Police have registered cross FIRs in the case. While a woman complainant lodged a case against the revenue officer, the naib tehsildar accused the MLA and his supporters of assault and obstruction.
The incident has triggered political controversy, with the Congress questioning whether such incidents align with the state government’s ‘Sushasan Tihar’ campaign and its claims of good governance.
Support from Employee Federations
The Chhattisgarh Karmchari Adhikari Federation (CKAF) extended moral support to the strike and warned of a statewide agitation if strict action is not taken. State convener Kamal Verma said attacks on and intimidation of government officials undermine both administrative functioning and employee morale.
