Patna: Dilip Jaiswal, Bihar’s minister for revenue and land reforms, has issued a stern warning to officials in his department and to alleged land mafias, saying strict action would be taken against corruption and malpractice within the system.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, just two days after taking charge of the department in Bihar’s newly formed cabinet, Jaiswal said he hoped he would not “have to speak too much, or else havoc will ensue”, in what appeared to be a signal of tougher enforcement measures within the department.
The minister said accountability among senior officials would be strengthened and claimed the department now possessed complete digital records of land holdings across the state. According to him, even the destruction of physical documents would not affect official land records.
“We already have complete land data. Even if someone tears up physical papers, it will not create any issue,” he said, adding that directions had already been issued to departmental officials regarding land-related irregularities.
Jaiswal also warned that those found involved in corruption or illegal activities would face imprisonment. At the same time, he said honest and efficient employees would be recognised and rewarded for their work.
The minister said he intended to turn the challenges facing the revenue and land reforms department into opportunities for reform, while also referring to measures undertaken during his earlier tenure in the same ministry.
On Friday, after formally assuming office, Jaiswal had acknowledged that strikes by officials and employees had disrupted the department’s functioning for nearly three months, affecting public services and causing hardship for residents across the state.
He said departmental operations were gradually returning to normal and admitted there had been “serious failures” at lower administrative levels. He added that the government was working to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in public services related to land and revenue administration.
Reiterating his position against corruption, Jaiswal said he had previously made it clear that no official involved in wrongdoing would be spared, and claimed that action had already been taken against erring individuals in the past.
The minister also pledged that the department would work to meet public expectations and minimise inconvenience to citizens seeking land and revenue-related services in Bihar.
