Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has presented appointment letters to 710 newly recruited ‘patwaris,’ including 201 women, a week after revenue officials initiated an indefinite agitation, boycotting additional work assigned to them outside their designated circles. Mann has also announced a significant increase in the monthly allowance for under-training patwaris, raising it from Rs 5,000 to Rs 18,000 with immediate effect. He further declared an annual recruitment plan for patwaris, similar to the police force.
The protesting revenue officials had been demanding the government to fill vacant positions, increase stipends, and shorten the training period for patwaris
According to Financial Commissioner (Revenue) KAP Sinha, approximately 1 lakh candidates competed for the 710 positions advertised by the government a few months ago, resulting in 140 applicants for each available post. The appointed individuals had to pass a written examination and interview and will now need to pass an examination administered by the state’s Patwar School.
Mann highlighted that the selected individuals are highly qualified, including “BTech, MSc, MCom, BCom degree holders.” The minimum educational requirement for patwari positions is graduation. It’s worth noting that several lawyers were among the appointees.
During the appointment ceremony, Mann indirectly referred to the patwaris’ strike, stating that some people habitually create inconvenience in the name of pen-down strikes to support their “corrupt colleagues.” He emphasized that the state government would not compromise on the interests of the common man.
The revenue officials, under the banner of the Revenue Patwar Union, initiated their agitation on September 1 after a patwari and a kanungo in Sangrur district were booked under a corruption case in August. The state government invoked the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1947 against the agitators, who initially announced a pen-down strike but later decided to attend work only within their revenue circles and not take on additional responsibilities.
Mann urged the revenue officials to perform their duties honestly and dedicatedly, emphasizing the need for integrity and just decision-making as they take on their roles in the field.
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