By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Land survey work has been underway in Bihar since 20 August, aiming to address long-standing land-related issues. However, since its commencement, people have encountered difficulties obtaining the necessary land-related documents. Many individuals lacked the required documents, prompting the government to extend the deadline for submitting self-declarations on the official portal.
Land Reform and Revenue Minister Dilip Jaiswal announced that approximately 7.5 million people have already uploaded their self-declarations. The Minister stated that the survey is being conducted while considering the challenges faced by citizens, which he claims has undermined the opposition’s criticisms.
Political Controversy
The land survey has turned into a contentious political issue. Opposition parties, including the Mahagathbandhan, and leaders like Prashant Kishor, have criticised the government over its handling of the survey. Prashant Kishor remarked that the decision to conduct the survey might be the “last nail in the coffin” for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government.
Responding to these criticisms, Minister Jaiswal emphasised that conducting such a survey after 130 years would naturally involve challenges. He reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to completing the survey and warned of strict action against any officials or brokers obstructing the process. “We stand by the law, and there’s no need for people to worry,” he said.
Tackling Corruption in the Revenue Department
Corruption within the Revenue Department has also come under scrutiny. Minister Jaiswal vowed to tackle the issue, revealing that when he assumed office, the department lacked service books for many officers, which record disciplinary actions. He ordered these records to be submitted, leading to the suspension of salaries for 139 officers who failed to comply.
Resolving Land Disputes
Minister Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the survey in resolving land disputes, which constitute a substantial portion of the state’s legal and law enforcement workload. He noted that 35% of police cases and 20% of court cases pertain to land disputes. “In some cases, a grandfather files a dispute, and the grandson still awaits a judgment,” he explained. The survey, he asserted, would reduce the burden on the courts and police while addressing these long-pending issues.
