In a significant move to enhance transparency and accountability, the Maharashtra state government has announced the formation of seven dedicated vigilance squads. These teams will investigate public complaints against officials and staff within the state's revenue department.
Addressing a Surge in Public Grievances
The decision, formalized through a government resolution issued on Thursday, comes as a direct response to a notable increase in public grievances. Citizens have reported numerous issues related to core revenue department functions. These complaints frequently concern land measurement disputes, stamp duty matters, and regulations around minor minerals, among other areas.
State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasized that the new framework is designed to strengthen scrutiny and rebuild public trust. "The squads will make preliminary verification of serious complaints faster, more effective, and more accountable," Bawankule stated. This will be achieved through methods like direct field inspections, thorough document checks, and prompt reporting mechanisms.
Structure and Strict Timelines for the Squads
According to the official resolution, all divisional commissioners across Maharashtra have been directed to establish these vigilance squads within a strict deadline of 15 days. Each squad will be a multi-officer team led by the Additional Commissioner (Revenue) at the divisional commissioner's office.
The composition of each squad is designed to bring together expertise from various revenue sub-departments:
- Deputy Collector (Revenue) as Member-Secretary
- Another Deputy Collector
- District Superintendent of Land Records
- District Mining Officer
- A Sub Registrar
- An officer of Tehsildar rank
To ensure fairness and prevent unilateral actions, the government has mandated that at least four officers must be physically present during any inquiry proceedings. The squads have also been granted the authority to investigate cases outside their home jurisdiction if specifically directed by the state government.
Empowered Teams and a High-Level Monitoring Panel
The new system sets aggressive timelines for completing investigations. A preliminary report on any complaint must be submitted within 30 days. For cases deemed particularly sensitive or high-stakes, this deadline is shortened to just 15 days.
The squads have been empowered to take action against non-cooperation. If any revenue office delays or refuses to provide necessary documents for an inquiry, the squad can recommend disciplinary action against the head of that office. Officials found guilty during the preliminary probe will face punitive measures under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.
For coordinated oversight, the government has established a six-member state-level monitoring committee. This panel will be headed by Minister Bawankule himself and includes the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) along with four senior secretaries and joint secretaries. This committee will review the performance of all seven divisional squads and issue directives to address any operational gaps identified.
This comprehensive initiative represents a concrete step by the Maharashtra government to streamline grievance redressal, curb malpractices, and foster a more accountable revenue administration for its citizens.
