Bhubaneswar: In a major move to streamline revenue administration, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of Odisha has issued strict directives to prioritize the compliance of High Court orders and statutory procedures in land lease matters. The department has emphasized the absolute necessity of maintaining and preserving accurate records to ensure hassle-free governance.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, has written an official letter to all district collectors outlining these critical instructions. Taking into account a recent judgment by the High Court, the department clarified that strict adherence to court orders, existing laws, and prescribed procedures must be maintained in all land lease cases. Any form of negligence, laxity, or delay by officials will be viewed with utmost seriousness and will invite strict action.
The Revenue Secretary highlighted that ensuring legally sound decisions, time-bound execution, and complete transparency in judicial matters related to land leasing is the core responsibility of all concerned officers. Any discrepancy or failure in this regard directly compromises public interest. To prevent this, Dr. Padhee has clearly instructed that all relevant documents and files must be safely preserved and produced before the court within the stipulated timeframe whenever required.
Furthermore, the Revenue Department has directed all district collectors to ensure that field-level officers show complete respect to judicial orders, follow legal frameworks diligently, and function with a high degree of caution and responsibility. District collectors have been advised to conduct regular inspections of subordinate offices to verify the safety, security, and availability of these vital records.
Known for his principles of transparency and honesty, Dr. Padhee’s latest directive underscores the department’s firm commitment to making revenue administration more accountable, transparent, and systematically organized while safeguarding valuable land resources.