Tehsildars Must Be Symbols of Trust, Not Fear: CM Mohan Charan Majhi at Revenue Officers’ Conference

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday called on Odisha’s tehsildars and revenue officers to become catalysts of justice and transparency in land administration, urging them to replace fear with trust in their offices. Addressing the state-level revenue officers’ conference and workshop at Lok Seva Bhawan, he emphasized the need to make land governance more accountable, inclusive, and people-focused.

“The tehsildar’s office should not be a place of fear, but a symbol of trust,” Majhi declared, asserting the government’s resolve to ensure that no person in Odisha remains landless. He announced that even individuals owning less than four decimals of land would now be considered landless and be made eligible for benefits under various government land allocation schemes.

The Chief Minister used the platform to highlight the new government’s rapid response during Cyclone Dana, commending the evacuation of more than 8.1 lakh people to 6,210 cyclone shelters shortly after taking office. “Our Zero Casualty mission is non-negotiable. This achievement reflects proactive governance and interdepartmental coordination,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of grassroots outreach, Majhi urged officers to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities and ensure timely delivery of services. “The deprived and neglected are our top priority. You must be proactive in villages and settlements, not reactive,” he said.

Taking a firm stance on illegal land deals, particularly those involving Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Chief Minister warned that willful oversight by revenue officers would not be tolerated. “No illegal land transaction can happen without the knowledge of tehsildars. The government has zero tolerance for such violations,” he stated.

With the monsoon season approaching, Majhi directed officers to be vigilant and responsive to weather advisories. “From June to November, prepare for rainfall and cyclonic activity. Use local knowledge and respond swiftly,” he advised.

Calling for urgent attention to land-related disputes, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of clearing mutation cases and reclaiming government land from encroachment. “A significant portion of valuable public land is under illegal occupation. Officers must take decisive action to protect and recover it,” he said.

He also urged officers to facilitate land acquisition for industrial projects with transparency and community trust. Referring to the enhanced ₹800 incentive for paddy procurement, he emphasized the need for accurate verification of cultivable land. “Revenue, Cooperation, Agriculture, and Irrigation departments must work jointly to ensure genuine farmers benefit,” he noted.

Reiterating his administration’s stance against corruption, Majhi added, “This government will not tolerate corruption. Officers who perform with sincerity and dedication will be rewarded. Let your service, not just your reputation, speak for you.”

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari echoed these sentiments, calling for a break from outdated practices. “We are bringing revenue services closer to the people. Every citizen must be treated with dignity and receive timely assistance,” he said.