SAMBALPUR: In a bid to unclog an overburdened revenue system and improve public access to government services, the state government has decided to bifurcate Sambalpur tehsil, said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday.
Following a review meeting here, Pujari said Sambalpur tehsil has grown far beyond its manageable capacity.
“When a tehsil becomes too large, routine revenue work suffers. Decentralisation is necessary to ensure timely services and better governance,” he said.
According to the minister, the bifurcation will enable closer monitoring of land records, quicker disposal of cases and improved public convenience.
Smaller administrative units ensure better supervision, faster decision-making and greater accountability. It will make services more accessible to the people, rather bring it closer to their doorsteps, he said.
“Soon, people will see a new tehsil unit catering to Burla and Hirakud areas. Similar plans have been chalked out for Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to improve the efficiency of tehsil functionaries. We are also working towards establishing a revenue inspector (RI) office at every gram panchayat,” Pujari said.
During the meet, the minister assessed progress on land acquisition, public grievance redressal and several major infrastructure projects. These included construction of the Sambalpur Ring Road (Phase I and II), East Coast Railway’s third and fourth lines from Jarapada to Sambalpur city, rail line expansion in Sarla-Sasan patch, and proposed rail flyovers connecting Sambalpur, Sambalpur city and Sarla.
The meet also focused on implementation of the Odisha Land Records (OLR) Act, disposal of mutation cases, delivery of certificates under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act, progress of Vasundhara scheme, correction of Bhulekh Column-2 to clarify land ownership, farmer registration, status of educational institutions, boundary change procedures and revenue collection.
Pujari emphasised timely resolution of revenue-related issues and effective inter-departmental coordination to ensure smoother implementation of development projects and improved public service delivery in Sambalpur district.
The minister also warned revenue officials against indulging in corrupt practices, reiterating the BJP government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption. “Every day, I come across news reports of OAS officers being arrested on corruption charges. If this continues, we will be forced to build new jails in the state,” he said.
Pujari said the district collector has been directed to submit performance report cards of revenue officials. “Those who discharge their duties sincerely and work in the public interest will be rewarded with promotions. Anyone found indulging in corruption will face strict action,” he added.
Among others, MLAs of Sambalpur and Rengali besides collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar attended the meeting.