-ACS Anurag Verma Reinforces Zero Tolerance Against Corruption
-Two Days After Warning DCs on Corruption, Strict Action Taken Against Erring Officials
Chandigarh, February 26, 2025
In a decisive move reflecting the zero-tolerance policy against corruption , Punjab’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR), Anurag Verma , has ordered the dismissal of Naib Tehsildar Varinderpal Singh Dhoot for his involvement in the illegal transfer of 10,365 kanals and 19 marlas of shamlat (common village land) in Village Seonk, Kharar, to private individuals.
This action follows a detailed inquiry conducted by retired Additional District and Sessions Judge BR Bansal , which found Dhoot guilty of violating the Punjab Village Common Lands Act, 1961 , and disregarding clear instructions from the Revenue Department and a Supreme Court judgment in the case of Jagpal Singh vs. State of Punjab (2011) , which explicitly prohibits the transfer or mutation of shamlat land to private parties.
Key Findings of the Inquiry
The inquiry revealed that while posted as Naib Tehsildar in Majri, SAS Nagar, Varinderpal Singh Dhoot had sanctioned Mutation No. 1767 on September 28, 2016 , transferring ownership of vast tracts of shamlat land to private individuals. The report highlighted:
- Illegal sanctioning of mutations without proper verification.
- Manipulation of shares of khewatdars/occupants by arbitrarily increasing or decreasing their stakes.
- Inclusion of individuals with no rightful claim to the land as shareholders.
Based on these findings, ACS Anurag Verma, exercising authority under Rule 5 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970 , dismissed Dhoot from government service, terming his actions as “malafide.”
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ACS Anurag Verma’s Stern Warning to Deputy Commissioners
The dismissal comes just two days after ACS Anurag Verma issued a stern warning to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in Punjab against corruption and delays in land registrations, particularly in cases involving plots registered without No Objection Certificates (NOCs) . This directive was prompted by widespread reports of irregularities despite a government notification issued in November 2024 mandating NOCs for such transactions.
In a related development, Tehsildar Ranjit Singh was also suspended for fraudulently registering property deeds in Jagraon while being stationed at the Ludhiana East tehsil office . Investigation revealed that Singh registered documents in Jagraon at 5:12 PM and another in Ludhiana East at 5:16 PM , an impossible feat given the geographical distance between the two locations.
Government’s Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Reiterating the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability, ACS Anurag Verma stated:
“Any officer found involved in corruption or malpractices will face strict consequences. The government is determined to ensure transparency, uphold legal protocols, and protect public trust.”
To further enhance transparency and curb corruption, the ACS-cum-FCR has mandated the installation of four CCTV cameras in every sub-registrar and joint sub-registrar office across the state. Additionally:
- All Deputy Commissioners have been directed to monitor live CCTV footage randomly to ensure officials are present in their offices.
- Citizens should not face unnecessary delays or difficulties in getting their work done.
A Step Towards Cleaner Governance
The dismissal of Naib Tehsildar Dhoot and the implementation of technological measures like CCTV surveillance underscore the Punjab Government’s resolve to eliminate corruption and inefficiency from its administrative machinery. By holding erring officials accountable and leveraging technology for better governance, the government aims to restore public confidence and ensure fair practices in land transactions and beyond.
This series of actions reaffirms Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a corruption-free Punjab, where accountability and transparency are non-negotiable principles guiding the state’s governance framework.
