Bhubaneswar, 26 August (H.S.): The Odisha government has directed district administrations to maintain strict oversight of the land registration process to ensure greater transparency, accountability and compliance with rules. Regular monitoring, surprise inspections and scrutiny of registration offices have been emphasised.

Revenue and Disaster Management Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr Aravind Kumar Padhee has directed all district collectors to ensure effective use of technology-based systems to improve transparency and efficiency in the registration process.

According to the department, a serious case of alleged fraudulent land registration has come to light in Nuapada district. The government has suspended Sarveswar Jaal, who was serving as the Tehsildar of Komna and was also discharging the responsibilities of Sub-Registrar.

Preliminary findings indicate that the official allegedly facilitated the fraudulent registration of a large parcel of land in collusion with certain vested interests. Following information received from the Nuapada Collector, the state government took immediate action and placed the official under suspension.

In view of the seriousness of the incident, the Revenue Department has instructed all district collectors to maintain close supervision over registration-related activities in their respective districts. Collectors have been advised to ensure regular monitoring of registration offices through the Additional District Magistrate (ADM)-cum-District Registrar.

The department has also directed district administrations to conduct surprise visits and inspections of registration offices and scrutinise their functioning. The objective is to identify irregularities at an early stage and prevent such incidents from recurring.

The state government has placed strong emphasis on the use of technology to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency throughout the registration process. The department has made it clear that irregularities in land registration will not be tolerated.

Officials have also been directed to ensure strict compliance with prescribed rules and regulations and take appropriate action against anyone found responsible for violations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda