'Zero tolerance for govt land grabbing': Bihar Dy CM Vijay Sinha warns mafia, corrupt officials
Patna, Dec 29
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Revenue and Land Reforms Vijay Kumar Sinha, who has launched a strong campaign against land mafia, brokers and corruption in the department, has categorically stated that no fraud or manipulation involving government land will be tolerated.
He warned that strict action would be taken not only against land mafia involved in selling government land but also against departmental officials found colluding with them.
Addressing the issue, Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the transfer of government land belonging to the State Seed Multiplication Farm in Kanti, Muzaffarpur, to a private individual was a very serious matter.
"Government land cannot be encroached upon under any circumstances. If investigations reveal that rules were ignored or court orders were misinterpreted to register government land in private names, the strictest legal and departmental action will be taken against all responsible officials and beneficiaries," the Deputy Chief Minister said.
The case involves the illegal transfer of 44 dismils of government land out of a total of six acres registered in the name of the State Seed Multiplication Farm, Kanti (Muzaffarpur).
The transfer was carried out by the then Circle Officer of Kanti on the basis of an order passed in December 2023 in Title Suit No. 303/2018.
However, under established procedures, it was mandatory to obtain a legal opinion and file an appeal in the competent court before making any changes to the land records.
The Circle Officer failed to follow this procedure and directly transferred agricultural land belonging to the Agriculture Department to a private individual.
Taking cognisance of the matter, the Additional Collector of Muzaffarpur ordered an inquiry.
The inquiry report concluded that the Circle Officer had violated departmental provisions by unlawfully transferring government agricultural land.
Based on the inquiry findings, the District Magistrate of Muzaffarpur informed the Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Land Reforms Department, Patna, and recommended strict action.
Subsequently, the then Circle Officer of Kanti was suspended by the department.
At the same time, the process of filing an appeal against the order of the Sub-Judge, Muzaffarpur, was expedited.
Correspondence was initiated with the Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, and the legal grounds for appeal were prepared.
Following a legal opinion from the Advocate General of Bihar, which advised immediate action, the District Agriculture Officer, Muzaffarpur, filed a first appeal in the Patna High Court.
The appeal is currently pending before the High Court.
Administrative sources said the case is being viewed as a test case for the protection of government agricultural land in Bihar.
The Revenue and Land Reforms Department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards land grabbing and corruption, adding that further legal and departmental action is being closely monitored.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is encouraging, but I'll believe it when I see results on the ground. So many announcements, so little change for the common person. The system needs a complete overhaul, not just suspending one officer.
Government land is for public welfare, not for private loot. Seed farms are crucial for our farmers. Strict punishment should be given to all involved, including the private beneficiary. Jai Bihar!
The real test is whether this zero-tolerance policy will apply to the powerful and connected people, or just the small fry. The land mafia often has political backing. Let's see.
Good move! This corruption in land records affects everyone. My uncle had to fight for years to get his own land back from grabbers. Hope the High Court gives a strong judgment. 🙏
As someone working in development, secure land tenure is fundamental for progress. If Bihar can clean up its land administration, it will attract much more investment. A very positive signal.
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