Revenue officers’ body demand resolution of pending problems

The Punjab Revenue Officers Association (PROA) has condemned the recent incident in Bathinda, where a Naib Tehsildar and a PUNGRAIN inspector were allegedly mistreated and detained illegally by protesting farmers. In response, the association has called on the state government to implement stringent laws to prevent such incidents.

The association has also demanded an urgent meeting with senior revenue department officials to discuss the status of their long-pending demands, which were previously acknowledged by the state government. The PROA has warned that they would launch a protest if their demands are not addressed promptly.

PROA president Sukhcharan Singh Channi expressed concern over the government's failure to ensure the safety and dignity of officers, particularly during the procurement season when they often work under hostile conditions. He said, "We condemn the incident at Rauke Kalan in Bathinda and hope the government will take strict legal action to prevent such occurrences."

Channi also demanded the government provide a Rs 1 crore ex-gratia grant and a job for a family member in case an officer loses their life in such incidents. He expressed disappointment that earlier meetings had raised hopes among revenue officers about the resolution of their long-pending issues; however, no concrete action has been taken.

The association highlighted several key concerns, including the lack of security arrangements at tehsil offices, inadequate transportation facilities and the need for a legal cell at the district level to vet all legal replies and submissions. Channi reiterated the demand for regular security personnel at all tehsil and sub-tehsil offices, emphasising the state government had previously promised action on this but has failed to follow through.

Other demands include the provision of government-owned vehicles for office transportation, long-awaited cadre promotions to PCS, adjustments to policies on promotion timelines and the treatment of trainee officers.

Channi concluded by stressing the association would be forced to take further action if their demands are not addressed soon, calling for a fresh and expedited panel meeting to resolve the issues at hand.