Government cracks down on striking revenue officers

Patna: (ABN) The Revenue and Land Reforms Department of the Bihar government has issued a stern warning to the revenue service officers who have gone on strike. According to the instructions issued by the Additional Secretary of the department and the statement of Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha, all striking officers must rejoin their posts by the evening of March 25. Action has been initiated against any officer who fails to meet this deadline.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the mass leave taken by the officers since March 9, 2026, is against the rules and is considered illegal. The government's stance is that this strike is severely affecting the revenue-related services for the general public, thereby disrupting the administrative machinery.

The government has argued that important programs such as the Chief Minister's Samriddhi Yatra and Bhumi Sudhar Jan Kalyan Samvad (Land Reforms and Public Welfare Dialogue) are currently underway. The absence of these officers at this critical juncture is being treated as a serious dereliction of duty. The presence of these officers is deemed necessary for the effective formulation of rosters and the implementation of the reservation policy.

Along with this ultimatum, the government has also kept the door open for relief. According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the cases of officers who return to work within the stipulated period (March 25) will be considered sympathetically, in accordance with established rules, regarding the adjustment of their period of absence.

The government has categorically stated that there will be no compromise on matters of public interest. Officers have been urged to immediately resume the performance of their duties so that the difficulties faced by the public at this time can be alleviated. The department has further clarified that strict legal and administrative actions will be initiated against those who fail to rejoin their posts even after March 25.

Addressing a press conference, he confirmed that the state government is committed to providing timely and transparent services to the general public. Public-related work will not be allowed to suffer in any way. Strict action will be taken against officers who remain on strike.

He appealed to the officers and employees to perform their duties, giving top priority to public interest. He further stated that the process of initiating disciplinary action, in accordance with established rules, is currently underway against those who have not yet returned to work.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha reiterated that the public is the top priority of the state government, and public services will not be allowed to be affected in any way.

Vijay Kumar Sinha said that despite the large-scale leave taken by circle officers and revenue officers since March 9, revenue-related operations are ongoing at a rapid pace across the state. More than 50% of officers are currently on duty. These operations are being monitored daily from the headquarters.