Synopsis
On January 20, the Revenue Patwar and Kanungo Association in Gurugram protested against claims of corruption made in a confidential letter from the Haryana Revenue Department, implicating 370 patwaris and 170 private individuals. The association seeks government intervention in this matter.Key Takeaways
- Protest by Revenue Patwar and Kanungo Association in Gurugram.
- 370 patwaris and 170 middlemen accused of corruption.
- Request for a report from Deputy Commissioners.
- Legal action is being considered by officials.
- Call for increased manpower due to staff shortages.
Gurugram, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Revenue Patwar and Kanungo Association in Gurugram organized a protest on Monday following a confidential letter from the Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Department alleging that 370 patwaris (revenue officials) throughout the state are involved in corrupt practices.
This list also features 170 private individuals who act as intermediary-cum-assistants for these officials.
A report on this matter has been requested from the respective Deputy Commissioners across the state within a 15-day timeframe.
The officials are accused of receiving payments directly or through intermediaries in exchange for facilitating processes related to land record partition, land measurement, property mutation, and corrections in land records within the Revenue Department.
The Gurugram district reportedly has the highest number of intermediaries (26), who are alleged to collect payments on behalf of the patwaris.
“A state-level meeting took place in Jind on Sunday. During this meeting, patwaris and kanungos resolved to wear black armbands for the next three days across the state. We have also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister today via the deputy commissioner, appealing for intervention in this matter,” stated Satpal Patwari, president of the Revenue Patwar and Kanungo Association, Gurugram, in an interview with IANS.
He further emphasized that the government has no authority to issue ‘certificates of corruption’.
“The land registration process is already digitized in the state, and fees are paid through the E-Disha portal. So how can we accept bribes? This is an attempt to tarnish the reputation of patwaris and bring dishonor to our profession. We are seeking legal advice on this issue and will take further action,” he added.
A protesting patwari stationed in Gurugram remarked, “We are experiencing a significant shortage of staff and have brought this to the government’s attention to enhance our manpower.”
“The government has ignored our pleas but has labeled us as corrupt, which is unacceptable,” he stated.
