Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 29: Admitting large scale corruption in the Revenue Department and holding Patwaris responsible for the same, the Minister for Revenue Javed Mustafa Mir today announced computerization of land records to reduce dependence on the field staff.
While replying to Demands for Grants of Revenue Department in the Legislative Assembly, here today, he informed that the computerization of the land records of Jammu and Srinagar districts is being taken up in the first phase for completion of the same in 28 months. In the second phase, it will be followed by 10 more districts, including Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Udhampur, Doda, Baramulla, Anantnag, Bandipora, Leh and Kargil, he added.
“The Government has decided to outsource computerization of the ongoing National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP), launched in the State, for which a society called J&K Land Records Modernization/ Management Agency has been formed,” the Minister said and added that the system will cover computerization of mutations, digitalization of maps and integrated textual spatial data besides updating of all survey and settlement records.
He hoped that the computerization would ensure better land record management, minimize land disputes and enhance land record maintenance system. The Minister further said that several decisions have been taken to streamline and re-organizing Settlement Organization for expeditious completion of the settlement operation.
Sending a strong message to the field functionaries of the department from the House, the Minister said that no corrupt element would be tolerated in the administration. “Every effort would be made to streamline functioning of the Revenue Department and those involved in corrupt practices would not be spared,” he said. Justifying his decision of asking field functionaries, especially Patwaris, working outside their cadre and district, to report back in their respective districts, Javed Mustafa said that order in this regard was made to ensure that rural and remote areas are not neglected due to non availability of field staff.
The Minister informed that instructions have been issued to field functionaries of the department to file annual property returns on time, while all Deputy Commissioners have been asked to upload the same on the official website to ensure transparency in the system. “To keep a check on the assets of Patwaris, we need to evolve a mechanism like of Election Commission of India for the contesting candidates in elections,” he said.
Regarding implementation of Roshni Act, the Minister said the process has been stopped in view of some petitions filed in the Court of Law. He assured the House that the matter would be vigorously pursued to get the petitions vacated.
Over the issue of Numberdars and Chowkidars, Javed Mustafa said that a committee has been set up to look into the issues and it will submit the report within three months.
Revenue Minister also informed that the department was working out modalities to bring the litigation cases within the purview of Public Service Guarantee Act in view of large number of land dispute cases lying in various Revenue Courts unattended.
Earlier, the Minister moved a Demand for Grants of a sum of Rs 94272.04 lakh to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending March 31, 2016 for the department under his charge.
As many as 18 members took part in the discussion on demand of grants. Later, the members, who moved the Cut Motions on the Grants, withdrew after the satisfactory reply from the Minister.
The House passed the Grants by a voice vote.
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