Patna: The Bihar government has taken disciplinary action against 14 circle officers accused of corruption, negligence and irregularities in official work, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department said on Thursday.
The action includes framing of charge sheets, withholding of salary increments, pension cuts and suspension in separate cases related to land records, mutation proceedings, illegal mining and flood relief distribution.
Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Dr Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said the department would continue to follow a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption and administrative misconduct.
Officials face departmental proceedings
Among those against whom action has been initiated is former Patharghat circle officer Rakesh Kumar, who was earlier arrested while allegedly accepting a bribe. The department has decided to frame charges against him.
A salary increment of Patliputra circle officer Anuj Kumar has been withheld, while charges have also been framed against former Ghailadh circle officer Chandan Kumar of Madhepura district.
Baikunthpur circle officer Pankaj Kumar has been accused of adding land area in online jamabandi records without documentary evidence. Former Guraru circle officer Sanjeev Kumar Trivedi has had two salary increments withheld for allegedly approving land records irregularly.
Action linked to mining, mutation and relief distribution
Former Paliganj circle officer Rakesh Kumar has had one salary increment withheld in connection with alleged irregularities related to illegal sand mining.
Departmental proceedings will also be initiated against former Supaul circle officer Buchchi Kumari.
Former Gopalpur circle officer Rajkishore Sharma will face a 10% pension cut for five years, according to the department.
In Gopalganj, charges have been framed against Sadar circle officer Rajat Kumar Barnwal over alleged inconsistencies in mutation cases.
Former Ekma circle officer Amlesh Kumar has also been charge-sheeted for unauthorised absence from duty.
Suspension approved in Muzaffarpur land case
Charges have additionally been framed against former Chandi circle officer Kumari Aanchal for allegedly failing to implement an appellate order.
Former Bairiya circle officer Anil Kumar has been accused of incorrectly classifying a backward class category as extremely backward class in official records.
Former Sahebpur Kamal circle officer Satish Kumar Singh faces action over alleged irregularities in flood relief payments.
The government has also approved the suspension of former Kanti circle officer Rishika in Muzaffarpur district. She was accused of facilitating the mutation of government land in favour of a private individual.
The department said the action against Rishika followed an inquiry conducted at the district magistrate level.
