Patna: The Bihar government has taken a firm stance against striking revenue officials, declaring their mass leave illegal and directing them to resume duty by March 25 or face disciplinary action.
Deputy chief minister and revenue minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the indefinite strike by Circle Officers (COs) and other officials, which began on March 9, violates service rules and disrupts public services.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Sinha warned that strict action would be taken against those who fail to return to work by 5:00pm on March 25. Measures could include termination of service, salary cuts and other penalties.
The directive follows a departmental communication from additional secretary Ajeev Vatsraj, highlighting concerns over the impact of the strike on governance and public services.
Officials said the absence of revenue staff has affected key services such as land registration and mutation processes across several districts.
Sinha emphasised that the responsibility of revenue officials is particularly critical at a time when major government initiatives, including chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Samriddhi Yatra and land reform programmes, are underway.
He said the government would not compromise on public interest or administrative functioning and described continued absence from duty as serious negligence.
However, the deputy chief minister indicated that officials who return to work within the deadline may receive sympathetic consideration regarding adjustment of their leave period, in accordance with rules.
The government has repeatedly urged striking officials to end their protest, warning that prolonged disruption could lead to stricter enforcement measures.
