Bhubaneswar: In the wake of an alleged land registration fraud in Nuapada district, the Odisha Government on Wednesday directed all District Collectors to step up monitoring of registration offices and ensure strict compliance with rules.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has emphasised the need for greater transparency and accountability in the land registration process, with technology-driven systems being used to improve efficiency and curb irregularities.
In a message to all District Collectors, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said a serious case of alleged fraud in land registration had come to light in Nuapada district.
The State Government had earlier suspended Sarbeswar Jal, Tahasildar-cum-Ex-Officio Sub-Registrar of Komna Tahasil in Nuapada district, after a preliminary inquiry reportedly found that he had facilitated the fraudulent registration of a large parcel of land in alleged collusion with vested interests.
The suspension followed information provided by the Nuapada District Collector regarding the alleged irregularities.
Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the Department has now directed District Collectors to ensure that the Additional District Magistrate (ADM)-cum-District Registrar in their respective districts regularly monitor registration-related activities and maintain close oversight of registration offices.
The Collectors have also been asked to conduct surprise visits and inspections of registration offices to review their functioning and identify any irregularities at an early stage.
The Department stressed that the maximum use of technology would be encouraged to strengthen transparency and accountability in the registration process. It also made it clear that violations of rules and irregularities would not be tolerated.
The Government, the Department said, would ensure strict compliance with prescribed procedures and take appropriate action against officials or others found responsible for any wrongdoing.
