Minister to revenue officers, employees: Join duty by today or face action

Patna: Revenue and land reforms department (RLRD) minister-cum-deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha on Tuesday declared the mass leave by officers and employees of the state revenue services as illegal and directed them to resume duty by Wednesday.“If they do not return to work by 5pm on Wednesday, strict disciplinary action will be initiated against those violating the order,” Sinha said.He warned that continued absence would be treated as a break in service, leading to salary deductions and other stringent administrative measures. However, he added that those who comply with the directive would be treated sympathetically, and their absence may be adjusted.Sinha said employees have been off duty since March 9, which is not only against established rules but has also severely affected public services linked to land and revenue matters. “In public interest and in keeping with administrative discipline, the govt will not compromise on this issue,” he said.Referring to CM Nitish Kumar’s ongoing outreach programme, Sinha said, “The CM is on his Samriddhi Yatra, engaging with people on land reform issues. In such a situation, employees staying away from duty amounts to a serious disruption of administrative functioning.”