Strengthening its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Government has launched yet another bold initiative — this time targeting bribery in property registration offices. In a sweeping directive issued to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts, the Government has mandated daily inspections of sub-registrar offices for a week, ensuring that officials involved in corrupt practices are identified and held accountable. The move comes on the heels of a series of stringent actions against corruption, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to uprooting malpractices across key departments.
The directive, issued by the Special Chief Secretary (Revenue and Rehabilitation) Anurag Verma, sought to ensure the smooth and transparent registration of sale deeds while also gathering direct feedback from citizens on any demands for bribes.
Verma has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to personally inspect one sub-registrar office per day, while warning that strict action will follow against any official found indulging in corruption.
Punjab Government has made it clear that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. The directive reminded the sub-registrars that any involvement in bribery will result in severe consequences. SDMs have also been tasked with conducting similar inspections within their respective jurisdictions to strengthen the enforcement mechanism.
The fresh order came in response to numerous complaints against sub-registrars and joint sub-registrars, despite a November 25, 2024, notification from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which had relaxed certain property registration norms until February 28. The directive also mandated that DCs hold special meetings with all sub-registrars and joint sub-registrars to reinforce the anti-corruption stance.
This latest action is part of the State Government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, following the ruling Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi poll debacle, which has seen massive rejig in the state’s administrative rejig.
Verma has also directed that any reported cases of bribery be immediately escalated for swift government action. The daily inspections will be reviewed at the highest level, ensuring that the crackdown is enforced effectively.