Maharashtra cracks down on land corruption with new SOP and probes
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has taken firm steps to tackle corruption in land acquisition. During a high-level meeting, he issued strict directives to officials, warning against delays and irregularities in upcoming projects.
Additional Chief Secretaries for Revenue and Forests, along with all district collectors, attended the session via video conferencing.
Bawankule ordered an immediate probe into land deals conducted two to three years before major project announcements. He suspected foul play in transactions linked to these developments. The minister also demanded an investigation into Bhoodan land in Thane, questioning how it was reclassified as Class-1 and later used for residential purposes.
The minister expressed alarm over reports that some officials were extorting money from farmers in exchange for compensation payouts. He made it clear that anyone found guilty—whether officials or land mafias—would face severe penalties. To prevent further corruption, Bawankule instructed the creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for land acquisition. This measure aims to bring transparency and accountability to the process, ensuring fair treatment for landowners and timely project execution.
The minister’s directives signal a crackdown on malpractice in land deals. Officials have been put on notice to follow the new SOP once finalised. The investigations into past transactions and Bhoodan land misuse are expected to proceed without delay.
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