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Maharashtra's Anti-Corruption Push: How New Vigilance Squads Aim for Transparency

The Maharashtra Revenue Department is taking a big step towards cleaner governance. They've created special vigilance teams to investigate complaints against their own officers. These squads promise to wrap up serious cases in just 15 to 30 days. It's a clear signal that the government wants to rebuild public trust in how land and revenue matters are handled.

Key Points: Maharashtra Forms Revenue Vigilance Squads for Transparent Governance

  • New squads will probe complaints on land records, stamp duty, and mining within 30 days
  • A state-level committee chaired by the Revenue Minister will oversee the squads' work
  • The move coincides with the first anniversary of the BJP-led MahaYuti government
  • Each squad must have at least four officers present during any inquiry for impartiality
3 min read

Maha Revenue dept forms vigilance squads to ensure transparency

Maharashtra establishes divisional vigilance squads and a state committee to probe complaints against revenue officials, promising faster, more transparent inquiries.

"This initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transparent, responsive, and efficient governance. - Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule"

Mumbai, Dec 5

The Maharashtra Revenue Department has formed Divisional Vigilance squads and a state-level committee to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and a people-centric approach in its functioning.

The Revenue Department announced the decision on Thursday on the eve of completion of one-year term of the BJP-led MahaYuti government on December 5.

"Dedicated Vigilance Squads are being constituted at the level of each Divisional Commissioner to conduct effective and time-bound inquiries into complaints against officers and employees concerning revenue-related matters (minor minerals, land records, stamp duty, land measurement, and allied functions). These teams will complete a preliminary inquiry and submit their report to the competent authority within 30 days for regular complaints and within 15 days for extremely serious complaints," Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.

"A state-level committee, chaired by me as the Revenue Minister, is being formed to periodically review the functioning of these Vigilance teams and recommend necessary improvements," said the statement issued by the Revenue Minister's office.

"On the occasion of the first anniversary of the state government, this initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transparent, responsive, and efficient governance," the Minister noted.

Minister Bawankule finalised the working procedure and thereafter the Revenue Department issued a Government Resolution on Thursday, directing all Divisional Commissioners to establish the respective vigilance squads within the next 15 days.

"The decision was taken to ensure in-depth examination of serious complaints received against Revenue Department officers and employees regarding irregularities in land measurement, minor minerals, stamp duty, and other revenue-related work. The department believes that proper and impartial inquiry into such complaints will help enhance the credibility of the administration," the Minister said.

According to the government resolution, the seven new vigilance squads are established at the Divisional Commissioner level.

These squads will be chaired by the Additional Commissioner (Revenue), Divisional Commissioner Office and comprise Member Secretary: Deputy Collector (Revenue) and members including Deputy Collector, District Superintendent Land Records, District Mining Officer, Joint District Registrar, and an officer of Tehsildar rank.

"A minimum of four officers must be physically present during any inquiry conducted by the squad. The squad will also have the authority to investigate in another division if the situation demands," the government resolution said.

A six-member state-level committee, led by Revenue Minister Bawankule, has been constituted to ensure the efficiency and regularity of the vigilance work.

The committee includes the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), one Joint Secretary, and three Deputy Secretaries.

"The department's initiative will make the process of primary investigation, on-site inquiry, document verification, and report submission for serious complaints concerning minor minerals, land, stamp duty, land measurement, and ancillary work more rapid and effective," Minister Bawankule said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative on paper. But the real test will be if they act against powerful people and not just junior staff. The 15-day deadline for serious complaints is impressive, but will they stick to it? We common citizens have seen many such committees become inactive after a few months.
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Rohit P
Finally! Dealing with the land records office for my father's property was a nightmare. So much harassment for simple work. If these squads can actually fix that system and make officers accountable, it will be a huge relief for millions of Maharashtrians. 🙏
A
Ananya R
Transparency is key. The inclusion of officers from Land Records, Mining, and Registration in the squads is smart—it covers all the major pain points. Hope they also have a simple way for people to file complaints without fear.
M
Michael C
As someone who has worked in governance, I appreciate the structured approach with clear timelines (30 days/15 days) and a state-level review committee. This is how institutional accountability is built. A positive step for Maharashtra's administrative reforms.
K
Kavitha C
The intention is good, but I'm skeptical. We've had vigilance cells before. The problem is political interference when inquiries reach a certain level. Will the minister's committee act against its own party's people or big builders? That is the question.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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