Naib Tehsildar Dismissed for Illegal Land Transfer in Shamlat Land Scam
Punjab Government Dismisses Naib Tehsildar in Shamlat Land Scam Amid Strengthened Anti-Corruption Measures
Chandigarh, February 26: In a decisive move against corruption, the Punjab government has dismissed Naib Tehsildar Varinderpal Singh Dhoot after a thorough investigation found him guilty of illegally transferring 10,365 kanals of Shamlat land to private individuals. This action follows a detailed inquiry conducted under the supervision of Punjab’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) cum Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) Anurag Verma, reaffirming the state’s commitment to its ‘Zero Tolerance Against Corruption’ policy.
Illegal Transfer of Shamlat Land
The investigation, led by retired Additional District and Sessions Judge BR Bansal, revealed that Dhoot sanctioned the mutation of the Shamlat land in Village Seonk, Tehsil Kharar, in 2016. The land, which was supposed to remain common village property, was transferred to private individuals, violating the Punjab Village Common Lands Act, 1961, and a landmark Supreme Court judgment in the Jagpal Singh vs. State of Punjab case (2011), which prohibits such transfers. Despite clear instructions from the Punjab government and legal restrictions, Dhoot not only authorized the illegal land transfer but also manipulated the shares of khewatdars (landowners) and included individuals with no legitimate claims to the land.
The inquiry further revealed discrepancies in the land mutation process, including the improper alteration of land shares, which significantly compromised the integrity of the land records. These actions were deemed “malafide” by the Punjab government, which acted swiftly to terminate Dhoot’s service under Rule 5 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970.
A Strong Message Against Corruption
The dismissal comes just days after Anurag Verma issued a stern warning to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the state regarding corruption and delays in land registrations. This warning, prompted by reports of malpractices in the registration of plots without necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), further emphasizes the state government’s focus on transparency and accountability.
In his communication to the DCs, Verma stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedures, particularly in relation to the timely and transparent registration of properties. The ACS warned that any officer found involved in corrupt practices or delays in processing NOCs would face strict consequences.
Recent Action on Land Registration Fraud
Verma’s warning followed the suspension of Tehsildar Ranjit Singh, who was found to have registered fraudulent property deeds in Jagraon while at the Ludhiana East tehsil office. The investigation showed that Singh had registered two property documents in a matter of minutes at two different locations, an act deemed physically impossible. This incident further highlighted the need for stringent oversight and preventive measures in the land registration process.
Punjab Government’s Commitment to Anti-Corruption Initiatives
The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fighting corruption, particularly within the state’s revenue department. Verma reiterated that the Punjab government would continue to take decisive action against any officer or individual involved in corrupt activities, signaling that no one would be spared from accountability.
New Technological Measures for Transparency
As part of its efforts to enhance transparency and curb corruption, the Punjab government has introduced a series of measures aimed at ensuring better oversight. Verma mandated the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at all sub-registrar and joint sub-registrar offices across the state. This initiative is designed to ensure that these offices are operating with full accountability and transparency.
Furthermore, the ACS has directed all DCs to regularly monitor live CCTV feeds and conduct random checks to ensure that sub-registrars and joint sub-registrars are present in their offices and providing services to the public without undue delays. These actions are part of the ongoing efforts to increase government transparency and public trust.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Accountability
The dismissal of Naib Tehsildar Dhoot and the introduction of technological reforms in land registration procedures signal the Punjab government’s commitment to not only rooting out corruption but also strengthening accountability within the system. These developments send a clear message to officials at all levels that corruption will not be tolerated and that strict measures will be enforced to protect public resources and ensure fair governance.
With Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration focusing on enhancing governance standards, the Punjab government aims to continue its fight against corruption and ensure that all public dealings are handled with integrity and transparency.