Odisha Tightens Scrutiny on Land Sale Irregularities; 300 Officials Under Scanner

Bhubaneswar: In a major push for clean governance and transparent land administration, the Odisha government has launched a crackdown on irregularities linked to part plot sales across the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Tuesday that a total of 300 officials involved in the preparation of District Survey Reports (DSRs) have been served show-cause notices.

The move follows growing public concerns over manipulation and malpractice in land division and sale processes. Minister Pujari said that strict disciplinary measures are underway, with several officials already arrested for their involvement in the scam. “Accountability is non-negotiable. Action has been initiated wherever misconduct has been detected,” he said.

To curb such malpractices, the government has intensified surveillance at DSR offices. Smart monitoring systems are now in place to identify suspicious activities and ensure that procedures are followed transparently and efficiently. “Technology is helping us expose and prevent corruption at various administrative levels,” Pujari noted.

In an effort to strengthen safeguards further, the Revenue Department is collaborating with the Electronics and Information Technology Department to develop a more robust, transparent digital framework for land sale operations. This initiative aims to reduce human interference and eliminate loopholes in the current system.

As part of capacity-building measures, the government also plans to conduct a specialized workshop for officials engaged in DSR preparation. This follows a recent training session organized for Tahsildars to improve their understanding of land policies and ensure stricter compliance with legal norms.

Minister Pujari reaffirmed the state’s commitment to clean governance and warned that any official found indulging in malpractice would face both administrative and legal consequences. “We are determined to protect public interest and restore trust in our land governance system,” he said.