The North News
Chandigarh, March 4
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took a bold stand against striking revenue officers on Tuesday, declaring that his government would not bow to corrupt officials facing police action. Mann made the comments while visiting tehsils in Kharar, Banur, and Zirakpur to oversee the resumption of registration services.
The Chief Minister said revenue officers had gone on mass leave in response to vigilance actions against their corrupt colleagues. He criticised the mass leave as a demand for a “license for corruption,” reiterating that his AAP government maintains zero tolerance for graft. Mann warned that “blackmailing tactics” would not be tolerated and that severe action would follow against those attempting to pressure the government.
Mann announced plans to recruit new tehsildars and revenue officers soon, with the proposal set to be presented in the Punjab Cabinet. He said corrupt officers regularly harass the public, a practice his administration will no longer tolerate.
“If these officers think they can return from their leave on their own terms, they are mistaken,” Mann said, adding that the state has a contingency plan to maintain services, including delegating registration powers to teachers and professors if needed.
The Chief Minister explained that to ensure minimal disruption during the strike, PCS officers, kanugos, and senior assistants eligible for promotion to Naib Tehsildars have been appointed as sub-registrars. “In a democracy, people are supreme, and no one, no matter how powerful, will be allowed to inconvenience them,” he said.
Mann criticised officers who draw hefty salaries but fail to serve the public. He warned that if they choose not to work, there are many unemployed youth ready to take their places. He plans to visit tehsils across Punjab over the next ten days to streamline services.
Accusing various farmers’ unions of trying to create anarchy, Mann said his government is open to negotiations with all societal groups but condemned road and rail blockades that cause public inconvenience. He noted that such protests often alienate the public from the agitating groups and lead to societal discord.
The Chief Minister also outlined a new strategy to combat Punjab’s drug crisis, asserting that the supply lines of narcotics have been disrupted and major traffickers imprisoned. He pointed to a recent example in Narangwal village, where illegal properties of drug smugglers were demolished. Mann vowed to transform the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement to make Punjab drug-free.
