Patwaris Protest Suspensions, Salary Deductions Over Farmer Registry Progress In Ratlam

In Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, tensions are rising between the administration and the Patwari Association over the slow progress of the Farmer Registry initiative. The controversy has escalated to the point where two patwaris have been suspended and salary deductions imposed on ten others.

Mahesh Singhad, a patwari in Halka No 08, Pipliyaseer village, was suspended after it was found that his work in his jurisdiction was below 30%. The administration claimed he did not respond to a show-cause notice. Similarly, Parmanand Khedda, a patwari in Halka No 48, Khedikala, faced suspension after the work in Khedikhurd and Haldupada reached only 12.7%. He, too, allegedly failed to respond to a notice. Both suspensions were ordered with immediate effect under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services Rules.

The District Patwari Association, however, vehemently opposes these actions. They have organized a sit-in at Gulab Chakkar, urging the withdrawal of suspensions and the reversal of salary deductions. Patwari Association president Gopal Rawat argued that the two suspended patwaris were recently appointed and still need time to familiarize themselves with local conditions and organize the farmer records. He also stated that both had previously performed well in their previous postings.

The Patwari Association also highlighted the technical issues causing delays in the Farmer Registry process. These include problems with the online portal such as failures involving one-time passwords, mobile numbers, and Aadhaar authentication. They had previously informed officials about these technical and field-level difficulties that were hindering the completion of registrations.

The association warned of intensifying their agitation if the punitive measures were not withdrawn. Meanwhile, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh visited Indore to study the cleanliness and waste management model.