Chhattisgarh Revenue Crisis: Patwaris Face Suspension and Transfers
Chhattisgarh is witnessing a growing revenue administration crisis as the indefinite strike by patwaris enters its third week. The government and district administrations have responded with suspensions, show-cause notices, and transfers, raising concerns about the future of the agitation.
More than 50 patwaris have been suspended with immediate effect in various districts. Meanwhile, approximately 5,000 patwaris have been served show-cause notices asking why they continue to remain on strike.
A major turning point came with the suspension of Bhagwat Kashyap, president of the state Patwari Sangh. Since he is a leading figure in the agitation, his suspension has been seen as a clear escalation in the standoff between the administration and the association.
The government has asked striking employees to return to work at once. Officials have warned that those who ignore these directions may face further departmental action.
The notices offer employees a chance to present their explanation, while administrators are reviewing absence records and the level of compliance with government instructions across districts.
The administration has also begun transferring patwaris who went on strike. However, the exact number of transfers and the districts where such orders have been issued are not yet clear.
The effects of the strike are being felt widely. Services related to land and revenue have been stalled for weeks. These include land mutation and partition, boundary demarcation, resolution of land disputes, khasra and B-1 related tasks, and revenue reports required for income, caste, and residence certificates. Farmers and landowners are finding it increasingly difficult to complete administrative work, forcing ordinary citizens to visit government offices repeatedly.
The dispute now extends beyond the demands of employees. It has become a test of administrative discipline and the limits of the agitation. Whether patwaris resume work under pressure or the protest widens statewide will depend on the Patwari Sangh's decisions and the government's next steps in the coming days.