Patna: Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue and Land Reforms Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, has taken swift action against corruption within the state’s land administration, directing the immediate removal of a Circle Officer (CO) on charges of bribery and serious irregularities.
Sinha instructed the Principal Secretary of the department to issue a show-cause notice to the officer and initiate formal departmental and legal proceedings without delay. In a parallel move, two other officials – Branch Officer Umeshwar Kumar Singh and Assistant Branch Officer Jitendra Kumar – were suspended for negligence after failing to submit a critical administrative file within the stipulated timeframe.
The disciplinary action came to light during a high-level departmental review meeting held last week, where a file concerning the delayed joining of Executive Officer Kumar Ritwik was requested. Frustrated by the prolonged delay, Sinha immediately ordered an inquiry, which confirmed lapses on the part of the officers. Following unsatisfactory explanations from both, the minister directed their suspension.
The Deputy Chief Minister has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and malpractice in the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, warning against collusion with land mafias and brokerage. Public reaction to the removal of the Circle Officer has been largely positive, with citizens and land dispute victims welcoming what they see as a decisive move against entrenched departmental corruption.
