Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann takes firm stand against corrupt tehsildars and governance issues

In an unprecedented move, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a strong stance against striking Tehsildars, making it clear that his government will not succumb to pressure from officials facing police action for corruption.

During his extensive tour to restart land registration services in Kharar, Banur, and Zirakpur, the Chief Minister highlighted that Revenue Officers had gone on mass leave following vigilance action against corrupt officials.

He reaffirmed that the AAP government maintains a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and criticized the officers for using their strike as a means to protect corrupt practices. "This blackmailing will not be tolerated, and severe action will be taken against these corrupt and haughty officers," he asserted.

Mann warned that pressure tactics would not be entertained, emphasizing that the government is prepared to take exemplary action. He also announced plans to recruit new Tehsildars and Revenue Officers soon, with the matter set to be discussed in the Cabinet.

"These officers harass the common man daily, but this will no longer be tolerated," he stated.

Addressing the striking officers directly, the Chief Minister made it clear that their return to duty would be dictated by the people, not by their own terms. He assured that the government has a contingency plan, including delegating registration powers to teachers and professors if necessary.

"The state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of the common man by all means and no one will be allowed to take them for granted," he reiterated.

To minimize inconvenience to the public, Mann announced that PCS officers, Kanugos, and Senior Assistants eligible for promotion to Naib Tehsildar would be appointed as Sub Registrars to ensure smooth operations.

He firmly stated, "In democracy, people are supreme, and my government will not allow anyone, however affluent he may be, to create inconvenience to them."

The Chief Minister criticized the striking officers for drawing salaries from the state while failing to serve the people, warning that their refusal to work would open opportunities for unemployed youth.

He further announced his plan to visit various tehsils across Punjab over the next ten days to streamline services.

"Tehsildars have been harassing generations of people with their corrupt practices. This is completely unwarranted, and the government cannot remain a silent spectator," he declared.

Mann also addressed the growing discord among farmers’ unions, accusing them of attempting to run a parallel government. He reiterated the government’s willingness to resolve issues through dialogue while urging protestors to avoid disrupting daily life.

"Such actions cause problems for the general public, turning them against the agitators and creating discord in society," he cautioned.

He further highlighted the financial losses incurred due to such protests, calling them unwarranted. "Though protest is a democratic right of the farmers, they should also consider that these actions bring huge losses to the state," he said.

Turning to the government’s efforts to combat drug abuse, Mann revealed a robust strategy to eliminate the drug trade. He asserted that the supply chain has been cut off, and major offenders have been arrested.

"The crusade against the war is going on, and no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared," he declared.

He cited the recent demolition of illegal properties belonging to drug smugglers in Narangwal village as part of the government’s aggressive anti-drug policy.

"We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach, and a decisive war has been launched to eradicate this menace," he said, emphasizing that the campaign against drugs is being transformed into a mass movement for a drug-free Punjab.