Ex-MLA flags poor state of Patwar offices in Kangra

Raising serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of Patwar offices across Kangra district, former Palampur MLA Praveen Kumar has questioned why Patwar Circles — the smallest yet most crucial revenue-generating units of the Revenue Department — continue to function in deplorable conditions.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Friday, Kumar said there was hardly any Patwar Circle that did not make a substantial contribution to the state exchequer. From land revenue and mutation fees to stamp duty collections and documentation charges, these grassroots offices generate significant income for the government. Despite this steady inflow, he lamented, the infrastructure of many Patwar offices remains neglected and rundown.

Describing the situation as deeply unfortunate, the former MLA said the crumbling buildings housing these offices reflected administrative apathy and departmental inefficiency. In several areas, Patwar offices are operating from dilapidated structures with broken doors, shattered windowpanes, damaged plaster and unsafe interiors. Basic amenities, including functional toilets, are missing in many offices, causing inconvenience to the public and staff alike, especially women officials.

Kumar specifically highlighted the Patwar office at Chimbalhar on the outskirts of Palampur, which sees heavy public footfall daily. Residents frequently visit the office for certificate attestations, land mutations, verification of revenue records and resolution of land-related disputes. Despite this, the office lacks proper seating and sanitation facilities. He pointed out that the office is headed by a woman Patwari, yet even basic infrastructure has not been ensured.

Emphasising the pivotal role of Patwar officials, Kumar said during natural disasters, accidents or other calamities, it is the Patwari who prepares the initial damage assessment report, on the basis of which affected families become eligible for compensation. “Despite performing such critical duties, Patwar officials are forced to work from unsafe and deteriorating buildings,” he remarked.

The former MLA further noted that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has increased several revenue fees and stamp duties, in some cases by two to three times, thereby enhancing the state’s income. However, he said, corresponding improvements at the grassroots level of the Revenue Department are largely absent.

Urging the CM to take immediate cognisance of the issue, Kumar called for urgent repair, renovation and upgradation of Patwar offices. “Before making headline-grabbing claims of reform, the government must strengthen the foundational units of its own Revenue Department,” he asserted.