Government takes stern action over slow progress of special land survey, orders preparation of 15-day special plan

Patna: The Department of Revenue and Land Reforms has adopted a stern stance regarding the slow progress of the ongoing special land survey in Bihar. Minister Dr. Deepak Kumar Jaiswal reviewed the weekly progress of the survey work with all nodal officers at his office on Tuesday. He identified districts and their respective circles with low progress, directing them to be reviewed separately and to prepare a special action plan for the next 15 days.

The Minister stated that the special land survey is not merely a process of land measurement, but a crucial campaign for protecting the rights of farmers and creating accurate and authentic land records. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and timely completion of records alongside the achievement of set targets. He clarified that the accountability of officers and employees consistently demonstrating poor performance will be established.

He directed that a village-wise progress report for all districts be submitted every Tuesday. Pending work in the stages of self-declaration, house-to-house survey, mapping, draft publication, claims and objections, and final publication must be completed within specified timeframes.

The Minister also emphasized ensuring the presence of officers and staff in the field. He stated that camps should be regularly set up at the village level and issues faced by farmers should be resolved on the spot, so that common people do not face unnecessary difficulties in the survey process.

Pending claims and objections will be addressed on a priority basis

During the review meeting, Department Secretary J. Singh obtained details of the survey progress in all districts. He directed the preparation of an officer-wise list of pending claims and objections and the resolution of old cases on a priority basis.

The Secretary stated that continuous monitoring of the progress of each stage of the survey is necessary. Technical issues must be resolved immediately and weekly monitoring should be conducted via the dashboard. The dashboard should provide clear details of district and circle-wise targets, achievements, pending cases, and reasons for delays, so that immediate corrective action can be taken wherever the pace of work is slow.

He stated that while increasing the speed of the survey, no compromise will be made on quality under any circumstances. Creating accurate, transparent, and up-to-date land records is the primary objective of this special campaign.

All nodal officers of the districts, including Assistant Director Subodh Kumar of the Directorate of Land Records and Survey, were present at the meeting.