Patna: Revenue service officials in Bihar have continued an indefinite strike, defying assurances from the state government after talks with the deputy chief minister failed to yield a binding resolution to their demands.
Officers belonging to the Bihar Revenue Service Association (BiRSA) and the Bihar Revenue Service Association United (BirSA-U) said , that their protest would continue until recent cabinet decisions are formally withdrawn and directions issued by the Patna high court are fully implemented. All members of the associations have been on mass leave since February 2, disrupting routine revenue administration across the state.
The standoff follows a meeting on Saturday evening between an 11-member delegation of the associations and senior government officials, chaired by the deputy chief minister and revenue minister. The principal secretary, secretary and other senior officials of the department were also present. According to both sides, the discussions were “positive” and focused on resolving long-standing disputes over postings and promotions.
At the centre of the protest are cabinet decisions Nos 23 and 30, passed on January 29, 2026 which the associations want withdrawn with immediate effect. The officers are also demanding that Bihar Revenue Service officials be posted to the second promotional post of deputy collector (land reforms), and that the state government comply with Patna high court orders in cases CWJC-5902/2024 and MJC-2380/2025.
During the meeting, the deputy chief minister assured the delegation that the contentious cabinet provisions would be suspended and that a three-member committee would be formed to examine the issues, with a formal notification to follow. He also said practical difficulties faced by officers would be addressed in consultation with the associations.
Despite these assurances, the unions later announced that the strike would continue. In a statement, they said members had jointly decided not to resume work until the cabinet decisions were formally reversed and the high court’s directions implemented in letter and spirit.
The associations thanked the deputy chief minister and the state government for what they described as a constructive approach, but stressed that verbal assurances were insufficient. They expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to comply with court orders and resolve the grievances of revenue service officers.
The ongoing strike has affected revenue-related services across Bihar, though the unions insist the action was taken “out of compulsion” rather than confrontation. They argue that protecting officers’ rights and ensuring compliance with judicial order is the responsibility of the state, and that sustained dialogue is the only way forward.
Union leaders said further steps would depend on concrete action by the government. Until then, the protest will continue, they said, framing the strike as a fight for administrative balance and justice rather than an attempt to disrupt government functioning.
