Patna: Stressing on the need for land reforms in the state, Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday asked land revenue officials to work "ethically, sensitively and according to their conscience" for the welfare of poor.
"In the current scenario, Bihar needs land reforms. Cases related to land should be speedily and effectively disposed of. Today land disputes are a big factor behind issues like nepotism, naxalism and frustration.
"The officials thus should work sensitively, ethically and according to the voice of their conscience for the welfare of the poor," he said.
"The able get their problems solved but the poor people lack time and resources. They do not know the laws which results in dissatisfaction, doubts and problems related to law and order. The officials should work in favour of the poor according to the laws," Manjhi said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a day-long seminar of Bihar Land Tribunal in the state capital.
Land Revenue and Reforms Minister Narendra Narayan Yadav, Tribunal Chairperson Justice Mridula Mishra and several other officials were also present on the occasion.
Lauding the role of the tribunal in settling land disputes, Manjhi said it was doing its duty on the lines of what former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had envisaged while constituting it.
"We have given much power to Deputy Collector Land Reforms (DCLR) but desired results are not coming. The poor cannot go to courts. In several cases if he does not get justice, he could be led astray politically. He can become an extremist. If the DCLRs discharge their duties sincerely, such things will not happen," Manjhi said.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that officials hurriedly issue receipts of land revenue, whenever collection target is given to them.
"This should not happen as it creates several issues," he said.
Manjhi asked the District Magistrates, DCLRs and other subordinate officials to camp in rural areas for a day and dispose of land related issues.
They should also coordinate with the Forest Department over land disputes, especially those related with the poor, he said.
The Chief Minister also called on the officials to ensure that water bodies in their areas are not encroached as they provide drinking water and irrigation facilities to the people.
