Separate wing for land settlement planned: Patwaris being cut down to size

PESHAWAR, April 15: Minister for Revenue Syed Murid Kazim Shah told the provincial assembly on Friday that the government had decided to set up a separate wing for land settlement in the revenue department in a bid to eliminate corruption let loose by patwaris. There would be separate patwaris for land settlement, the minister said while winding up a three-day debate in the assembly. The issue came under discussion when two identical call attention notices submitted by MPAs Israr Khan Gandapur and Saqibullah Khan Chamkani were converted into adjournment motion for debate in the house. It would help maintain land record in a better way and reduce the chances for patwaris to make extra bucks, the minister said, adding that the illegal changes in land record also led to enmity among the people.The patwaris in the settlement wing would be imparted two-year training and they couldn't be transferred to the revenue side, he said. Intermediate qualification and computer diploma would be necessary for the patwaris in the settlement wing, he said. He told the house that the provincial government was interested in bringing reforms in the revenue department from day one. Similarly, he added, the project of computerisation of revenue record in 18 districts of the province was included in the current ADP. However, he said, due to some problems, the computerisation process would take some time. Speaker Kiramatullah Khan Chagharmatti, who was chairing the session, issued ruling that the revenue department should bring drastic reforms immediately in the best interest of masses. He said that each patwari should display a list of government fee in different matters outside their offices. "At least the masses should know how much additional money is being charged from them by the patwaris," he said. He directed the revenue department to prepare lists of the assets of patwaris and present to the house committee formed for reforms of the revenue department. Practical steps should be taken for the elimination of corruption in the revenue department, he said. The speaker also directed the chief secretary, SMBR, to fully monitor implementation on recommendations made by the cabinet committee for changes in the revenue department. He also requested the media persons to facilitate the cabinet committee by sending it recommendations in writing. He went on to say that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) should also investigate the patwaris' working and submit their respective reports to the committee. The speakers also asked their fellow MPAs to keep dignity of this august house and avoid supporting the patwaris. Later, the speaker adjourned the proceedings for April 18 (Monday) at 3pm.