Patna: An ongoing strike by circle officers and revenue officials in Bihar has disrupted land-related work across several districts, affecting services such as land mutation, measurement and certification.
The strike, called by the Bihar Revenue Service Federation, has impacted functioning in several circle offices, though officials said the disruption varies from district to district.
Deputy chief minister and revenue and land reforms minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Wednesday appealed to the striking officials to return to work, saying the government remained open to dialogue.
Speaking to the media, Sinha said many of the issues raised by the employees were long-standing and not limited to the tenure of the current government. He urged the officials to resume their duties so that discussions with the government could move forward.
“If they end the strike, it will send a positive message and help create an environment for dialogue,” he said.
Earlier in the week, Sinha had taken a tougher stance, warning that circle officers who failed to return to work within 24 hours could face suspension and might be replaced by block development officers. On Tuesday, he also cautioned employees against being misled by speculation about political changes.
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According to officials, the strike has affected revenue administration in about 22 districts. However, not all circle officers have joined the protest. Around 30% of officers, mostly recently appointed ones, have continued to attend their offices and carry out official duties.
In seven districts, circle officers are reportedly working normally, while nine districts have seen only partial disruption.
Land-related services including mutation, correction of records, electronic land measurement, land possession certificates (LPC) and work under government housing initiatives such as Abhiyan Basera have been affected in areas where circle officers are on strike.
In Muzaffarpur and Samastipur, circle officers are attending their offices, though work has been slowed due to a parallel strike by revenue staff.
In Madhubani district, most circle officers have joined the strike, with only a few blocks such as Pandaul, Khajauli, Rajnagar, Rahika and Benipatti continuing operations.
Similarly, in Nalanda district, work is continuing in about half of the 20 circle offices. In Patna district, the circle officers of Bihta and Mokama blocks have also not joined the strike.
In Araria and Kishanganj districts, most circle officers are participating in the protest, with only a few exceptions.
Officials said the state government is monitoring the situation and hopes the dispute can be resolved through discussions so that normal services can resume.
