Bhubaneswar: In the wake of reports of irregularities in the land registration process in some parts of the state, the Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management department on Wednesday directed District Collectors to regularly monitor and closely oversee the functioning of registration offices under their respective jurisdictions.

The Revenue department in an official statement noted that the state government has been laying emphasis on making the land registration process in the state more transparent, accountable and compliant with rules and regulations.

In a communication to the Collectors, Additional Chief Secretary of the R&DM department, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said that a serious case of fraud related to land registration had come to light in Nuapada district of the state.

After the issue was brought to the notice of the department, Sarveshwar Jal, who was serving as the Tahasildar of Komna Tahasil in Nuapada district and was also discharging the duties of Sub-Registrar has immediately been placed under suspension by the state government.

The officials also said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the officer, allegedly in connivance with vested interest groups, facilitated the fraudulent registration of a large parcel of land. 

Following information received from the Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Dash regarding the matter, the state government immediately suspended the concerned Tahasildar.

"Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, the department has directed all Collectors to ensure that the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and District Registrar of their respective districts regularly monitor registration-related activities and maintain strict oversight," the department noted.

This apart, the Collectors have also been directed to conduct surprise visits and inspections of the functioning and activities of registration offices so that such irregularities can be detected and prevented in a timely manner.

"Ensuring transparency and accountability in the registration process through maximum use of technology is the key priority of the state government. Such irregularities will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty, while ensuring due compliance with rules and regulations throughout the entire registration process," the R&DM department asserted.