Patna, Feb 3 (NationPress) Following a call from the Bihar Revenue Service Association (BRSA), Circle Officers (COs) and Revenue Officers (ROs) across Bihar initiated an indefinite strike starting Monday, demanding resolution of long-standing service-related issues.

However, the strike was promptly suspended on the very first day after receiving assurances from the state government.

A group of officials from the Bihar Revenue Service convened at the BRSA headquarters in Patna, where they met with Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in the evening.

This delegation presented a memorandum detailing their demands. Following the discussion, the officers announced their decision to cease the strike.

In a statement to the media, Vijay Kumar Sinha affirmed that the government would earnestly consider the valid requests made by the revenue officers.

“We hold in high regard those officers who serve with dedication and integrity. It is our duty to ensure that their morale remains high,” Sinha emphasized.

He recognized the difficulties faced by Circle Officers, which include challenges related to land disputes, maintaining law and order, and societal pressures.

“In society, there exists both good and bad. The number of wrongdoers is minimal. We have addressed all concerns and agreed to create a committee to tackle these issues based on established rules,” he added.

The minister disclosed the formation of a three-member committee, including a Secretary, an Additional Secretary, and a representative from the Bihar Revenue Service, tasked with reviewing matters concerning promotions and other service issues, and providing recommendations.

Sinha reiterated that resolving land disputes in Bihar demands a collaborative effort.

“Some individuals may attempt to mislead us, but we must remain alert. Achievements do not occur overnight; we believe in hard work. The government will guarantee the dignity of revenue officers is upheld and decisions are made according to regulations,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas aur Sabka Samman’.

The primary catalyst for the strike was the non-implementation of the Bihar Revenue Service Cadre Rules, 2010.

The association has been advocating for the posting of Bihar Revenue Service officers as Deputy Collector, Land Reforms (DCLR) and Land Acquisition Officers.

Currently, these positions are predominantly occupied by officers from the Bihar Administrative Service (BAS), leading to a prolonged conflict between the two services.

Tensions escalated further following a recent notification from the Revenue and Land Reforms Department introducing the title of ‘Sub-Divisional Revenue Officer’, which the association contends breaches cadre regulations.

This issue is also pending consideration before the Patna High Court.

The movement garnered unanimous support from BIRSA United (United Bihar Revenue Service Association).

Its president, Aditya Shivam Shankar, reached out to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Principal Secretary, requesting immediate action.

Had the strike persisted, vital services such as mutation, issuance of caste, income and residence certificates, land demarcation, anti-encroachment initiatives, and land surveys would have been disrupted across various districts.

Nonetheless, following the meeting with the minister and the promise of a comprehensive resolution, revenue officials announced the withdrawal of the strike on the first day itself.