PUNJAB GOVERNMENT : Reiterating Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s firm stance on zero tolerance towards corruption, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) cum Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) Anurag Verma has ordered the dismissal of Naib Tehsildar Varinderpal Singh Dhoot for illegally approving the mutation of shamlat (common village) land in Seonk village, Kharar, in favor of private individuals.
A detailed inquiry found Dhoot guilty of violating the Punjab Village Common Lands Act, 1961. The investigation revealed that while serving as Naib Tehsildar in Majri, SAS Nagar, he had sanctioned Mutation No. 1767 on September 28, 2016, transferring 10,365 kanals and 19 marlas of shamlat land to private entities. This action directly defied Punjab Revenue Department’s instructions and a 2011 Supreme Court ruling (Jagpal Singh vs. State of Punjab) that prohibits such transfers.
The inquiry, conducted by retired Additional District and Sessions Judge BR Bansal, also found that Dhoot had tampered with land records, altering ownership shares and unlawfully adding names of individuals with no rightful claim. FCR Anurag Verma, in his dismissal order, labeled Dhoot’s actions as “malafide” and terminated his services under Rule 5 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970.
This action follows a stern warning issued by ACS cum FCR Anurag Verma to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in Punjab regarding corruption and delays in plot registrations without No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Reports of misconduct and unwarranted delays in registrations—despite a government notification issued in November 2024—prompted this directive.
Earlier, ACS cum FCR had also suspended Tehsildar Ranjit Singh for fraudulently registering property deeds. A report revealed that Singh registered a document in Jagraon at 5:12 PM and another in Ludhiana East at 5:16 PM, an act deemed physically impossible.
Underlining the Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Anurag Verma emphasized that strict action will be taken against any official found indulging in corruption or malpractice.
As part of a broader initiative to enhance transparency, the ACS-cum-FCR has mandated the installation of four CCTV cameras at every sub-registrar and joint sub-registrar office across Punjab. Deputy Commissioners will be required to monitor live CCTV footage and conduct random checks to ensure officials are present at their workplaces and citizens receive timely services without unnecessary delays.