Punjab Govt Initiates Massive Transfer of Long-Serving Patwaris in Response to Ongoing Dispute

CHANDIGARH: Amidst the ongoing dispute between the state government and Patwaris (revenue officials) in Punjab, the government has taken decisive action to address the situation. A comprehensive program of transferring Patwaris across the state has been set in motion. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has confirmed that 741 Patwaris will undergo training and be deployed in the field.

This Strategic move involves reassigning responsibilities from long-serving Patwaris to newly trained ones. The decision comes as a response to concerns that some Patwaris have entrenched themselves in their areas, wielding undue influence over local matters. Authorities are actively identifying such Patwaris, and the replacement of the implicated individuals is imminent.

Simultaneously, the Vigilance Bureau has intensified its investigations into corruption-related complaints involving Patwaris, Kanungos, and other officers and employees in the revenue department. Special teams, led by officials at the SP and DSP levels, have been formed to address these complaints promptly.

Sources indicate that in cases where existing Patwaris have refused to fulfill their duties, new Patwaris will be appointed to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The ongoing identification of Patwaris slated for replacement is part of this overhaul. To facilitate this transition, the government has instructed Deputy Commissioners in all districts to transfer revenue records and other relevant documents to the new Patwaris as they assume their roles.