In a decisive move against corruption in agricultural benefits, the Haryana government has suspended two patwaris (revenue officials) following allegations of registering fictitious crops on farmers' land. The action was taken by Haryana Revenue Minister Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal after receiving complaints from villagers in the Yamunanagar district.
Minister Takes Swift Action on Complaints
The crackdown began when Revenue Minister Sanjeev Kaushal conducted a surprise inspection in the villages of Shambli and Amupur, falling under the Radaur tehsil. During his visit on Thursday, February 22, 2024, villagers directly approached the minister with serious grievances. They alleged that local patwaris were involved in fraudulent practices by showing crops on their land that were never actually sown.
This malpractice is particularly significant as it relates to the central government's PM-KISAN scheme, which provides direct income support to farmers. Accurate crop registration is crucial for determining eligibility and disbursing benefits under such schemes. The minister, taking immediate cognizance of the complaints, ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Suspensions and Ongoing Investigation
Following preliminary findings, Minister Kaushal did not hesitate to take strict disciplinary action. He issued orders for the immediate suspension of the patwaris responsible for the revenue circles of Shambli and Amupur villages. This swift suspension sends a strong message about the state's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption affecting the farming community.
The investigation into the fake crop registrations is ongoing. Authorities are delving deeper to uncover the full extent of the fraud, including how long it has been occurring and whether other officials or intermediaries were involved. The focus is on ensuring that only legitimate farmers receive benefits and that public funds are protected from such fraudulent claims.
A Stern Warning Against Corruption
This incident highlights the persistent issue of corruption at the grassroots level of revenue administration. The Haryana Revenue Minister has issued a stern warning to all patwaris and revenue department officials across the state. He emphasized that any official found involved in corrupt practices or harassing villagers will face severe consequences, including suspension and legal action.
The government's action is being seen as a direct effort to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure the integrity of welfare schemes. It underscores the administration's commitment to transparent governance and accountability, especially in sectors vital to the state's agrarian economy. Farmers in the region have welcomed the move, hoping it will lead to a cleaner and more efficient system for accessing their rightful benefits.
