MP Patwari Protest Intensifies, Association Claims 50-Plus Terminations, 400 Suspensions And Notices To Thousands Over SVAMITVA Row

The disagreement between government officials and agitating patwaris in Madhya Pradesh is escalating rapidly. The Patwari association has reported that more than 50 probationary patwaris have been dismissed and around 400 have been suspended. Additionally, notices demanding action have been issued to 2,000-3,000 patwaris throughout the state.

A delegation of association members met with Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla to express their grievances and present their demands. Shukla reportedly acknowledged their concerns and forwarded a memorandum to chief secretary Ashok Barnwal, stating that the agitation will persist until their demands are addressed, and the suspensions or terminations of several probationary patwaris are reversed.

Over 100 patwaris in Narsinghpur district have submitted conditional resignations, alleging that district administration pressures them to work for the SVAMITVA scheme and forces them to labor extra hours. The government contends that there will be no pay for no work. In Shahdol, over 100 patwaris claim their salaries have been deducted by 15 days.

One patwari has even been suspended. The government's assertion that there will be no pay for no work has fueled further tension. Patwaris in Katni allege that at least four were compelled to work by a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Bahoriband. In Maihar, three patwaris were suspended. The conflict intensified following the chief secretary's directive for collectors to enforce the SVAMITVA scheme relentlessly, regardless of concerns from patwaris.

The patwaris object to the SVAMITVA scheme, claiming they are merely government agents responsible for registry work, and fear legal repercussions if the registry is challenged in the future. The government maintains that they are merely agents in this task, but patwaris remain resolute in their opposition.