3 revenue officials face action in Kishtwar over lapses in land records digitisation

Ramban, Jan 15: The district administration in Kishtwar has taken strict action against three revenue officials for alleged negligence and poor performance in the digitisation of Jamabandies, a key initiative of the Revenue Department.

According to official orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, OP Naibat Sohal, Vijay Kumar, who was also holding the additional charge of PH Sohal, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

The action follows repeated complaints from the tehsildar Atholi Paddar regarding the official’s failure to perform assigned duties satisfactorily and alleged negligence in discharging official responsibilities.

The issue was reportedly highlighted multiple times, including during review meetings held on January 11 and 12 with tehsildars of the district.

It was alleged that the official had turned down instructions, failed to execute assigned tasks, and consequently hampered the progress of Jamabandi digitisation, which the administration has taken seriously.

The order further states that despite clear directions from the Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, to fast-track the process, the official failed to show progress and allegedly defied instructions.

During the suspension period, Vijay Kumar will remain attached with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Marwah, and will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per rules, subject to attendance.

The SDM Marwah has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer and has been directed to conduct a detailed enquiry and submit a report with recommendations within 30 days. Meanwhile, the charge of PH Sohal has been entrusted to Vijay Kumar Sharma, OP SDM Office Paddar, in addition to his own duties, until further orders.

In a separate but related order, the Deputy Commissioner has also directed the withholding of salaries of two Patwaris – Nisar Ahmad Beigh (Patwari Halqa Chenger) and Javeed Iqbal (Patwari Halqa Dehrana).

The decision was taken in view of their poor performance in the digitisation of Jamabandies and in the interest of maintaining discipline and ensuring effective utilisation of services. Their salaries will remain withheld until further orders.

The district administration reiterated that these actions have been taken in public interest to ensure accountability, discipline, and timely implementation of priority government initiatives.