Withdraw list of 'corrupt' patwaris or face strike, warn revenue officials

Reacting to a list of 370 alleged corrupt patwaris prepared by the state government, the parwaris across the state are up in arms, terming the move as defamatory and humiliating.

They staged protests at district headquarters against the release of the list.

The revenue officials staged protests under the banner of the Patwari-Kanungo Association, which submitted a memorandum to the government through the Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate withdrawal of the list.

Addressing fellow government employees at Surender Singh Memorial Park in Bhiwani, district president Sunil took exception to the list and said, “The government's action has tarnished the reputation of honest patwaris without due investigation. Most of the work is now online, and the fees collected from residents are deposited with the state treasury through official channel," he said, adding that it left little scope of corruption.

The association warned of a strike if their demands were not met within three days.

The vice-president of the association, Vikas Rathi, said, "It’s humiliating to be branded as corrupt publicly without evidence. The list has led to embarrassment as patwaris have been receiving distressing calls."

Another patwari, Vikrant, said, "We urge the government to withdraw the list and restore our dignity. If no action is taken, we will resort to a full-scale strike."