Patna : In public grievance hearings, immediate suspensions, “no work, no pay” rule, and threats of investigations scared COs so much that they returned to work. This is a direct attack on the root cause of land disputes in Bihar.
A new beginning has started in Bihar’s Revenue and Land Reforms Department under the leadership of Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. For a long time, people in Bihar suffered from corruption, delays, and bribes in land-related matters. More than 90% of corruption happened at the Circle Officer (CO) level, where basic tasks like mutation (name transfer in land records), name corrections, and entry/exit in records did not happen without bribes. A full network of middlemen (brokers) had formed, working with COs and police stations to cheat people of their land. This led to more fights, murders, and crimes over land disputes in Bihar.
But Minister Sinha’s strict attitude and honest resolve have created fear among these corrupt people.Minister Sinha has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in the department. He has clearly said that the revenue department is for serving people, not troubling them. In public hearings (Janata Darbar) and land reform public welfare meetings, he personally listens to complaints and takes immediate action against guilty officers.
In one such program in Bodh Gaya (Gaya district), people accused the CO of Amas circle, Arshad Madni, of taking bribes. One applicant said the CO took ₹25,000 bribe through a government bodyguard. From the stage itself, Minister Sinha ordered the CO’s removal, an investigation, and suspension plus FIR if found guilty. For other complaints, he warned officers that delaying files or harassing people will not be tolerated anymore. In a sarcastic comment, he said: “I know exactly which gods are worshipped in circles to get name corrections done” — this was a direct hit at corruption and middlemen.
This fear is clearly visible among officers. When the government started tightening control on corruption, COs threatened a strike (mass leave) and went on an indefinite strike from February 2, 2026. Their main issue was fear over new posts like Sub-Divisional Revenue Officer affecting their promotions or cadre balance.
But circle offices could not stay closed for public interest, especially during the budget session. Minister Sinha showed strictness — he applied “no work, no pay,” ordered return of government vehicles and office keys, and gave options to hand over charge to senior staff, BDOs, DCLRs, etc. Principal Secretary CK Anil warned in front of the minister that if the strike is not withdrawn, they will be dismissed.
As a result, the strike broke on the very first day. In the evening, after meeting Minister Sinha, the Bihar Revenue Service Association withdrew the strike. A three-member committee was formed, with Principal Secretary CK Anil as chairman. The committee will look into their demands, promotions, court orders, and cadre balance. Minister Sinha assured that fair demands will be met, service rules will be respected, and no injustice will happen. His statement — “Okay, the medicine is being given, the effect is showing, don’t worry, everything will be solved” — compares the reform process to effective medicine.
This is the first time the government has controlled corrupt COs so strictly. Earlier, bribes came through middlemen and did not go directly to CO accounts. Many officers spent far more than their salary — children’s fees alone equaled their pay. But now, they fear investigations.
Since Sinha came, honest work is encouraged. People are happy. They say COs can no longer keep brokers to collect money, and work will happen without bribes.
Minister Sinha’s effort is historic. He is challenging land mafias “with a shroud tied on the head” (meaning ready to risk everything) and working to make the department transparent and people-focused. Steps like opening Common Service Centres (CSCs) in every circle, grievance redressal on Saturdays, and strengthening online services will help common people. Honest officers will now get respect, while corrupt ones will face action.
Time will tell if land disputes reduce in Bihar and the roots of crime dry up. People are with Sinha. We pray to God to give him long life, good health, and strong willpower so he continues serving people with this resolve. Bihar’s people are now seeing a ray of hope – a corruption-free revenue system. This struggle by Vijay Kumar Sinha will become a golden chapter in Bihar’s history.
