INSTRUCTION TO INSTALL COMPLAINT BUX IN CIRCLE AND DCLR OFFICES

INSTRUCTION TO INSTALL COMPLAINT BUX IN CIRCLE AND DCLR OFFICES

19-DEC-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------In a significant step towards strengthening land reforms and revenue administration in Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Revenue and Land Reforms, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, delivered a strong message to land officials across the state at the "Land Reforms Public Welfare Workshop" held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna. Senior officials from the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, including Additional District Magistrates (ADMs), Sub-Divisional Land Reforms Officers (DCLRs), and Circle Officers (COs), were present at the workshop. The Deputy CM issued several new initiatives and strict instructions to bring transparency and efficiency to the department's functioning and curb corruption.

Addressing the officials, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that comprehensive reforms at the grassroots level are necessary to free the common people from land-related problems. In this regard, he directed that a 'complaint box' be installed in all Circle and DCLR offices. Citizens will be able to register their complaints regarding land-related matters in this complaint box. This system will make the grievance redressal process more accessible and transparent. Specifically, the complaint box at the Circle Officer's office will be opened only by the concerned Circle Officer, while the complaint box at the DCLR office will be opened by the concerned DCLR, and complaints against Circle Officers can also be registered there. This system will help in fixing accountability of the officers and provide the complainant direct access to higher authorities.

The Deputy CM warned of strict criminal action against those involved in fraudulent activities in land matters. He directed all officials to register First Information Reports (FIRs) under criminal laws in all such fraud cases by December 31st. This directive reflects the government's tough stance against land mafias and fraudsters. He also announced that a special team would be constituted to improve the functioning of the offices. Strict action will be taken against those who tamper with documents and mislead the general public, as "misleading the common people will be costly." In addition, a 'flying squad' will be constituted for surprise inspections, which will ensure the strictest action against those found involved in corruption. On the other hand, officers and employees who perform well will be rewarded and encouraged to promote a positive work culture.

Mr. Sinha gave clear instructions to the officers posted at the regional level to provide all types of services within the stipulated time frame. He said that officers who unnecessarily delay applications will no longer be spared. He also took a strict stance against officers who were absent during the workshop and ordered that show-cause notices be issued to them. The minister said, "Running away won't work. We will pursue those who run away until the very end." This indicates that the department will no longer tolerate any kind of negligence or dereliction of duty.

The Deputy Chief Minister advised all Circle Officers to make full use of their legally granted powers. He emphasized that FIRs should be immediately registered against those who submit false affidavits and that it should also be ensured that honest and upright people are not harassed unnecessarily. He also clarified that the public can submit their complaints directly to him, which will further strengthen the government's accountability to the people. The objective of all these measures is to establish a transparent, accountable, and people-friendly revenue administration in Bihar, so that the common people can get quick and just relief from land-related problems.