Patwari Association Protests, Demands Rescission of Salary Increment Halt Order

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Patwari Association Protests Punitive Action Against 13 Members

The Madhya Pradesh Patwari Association has registered a strong protest against the punitive action taken against thirteen patwaris in Bhind district concerning the verification of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). The association is demanding that the district administration immediately revoke the order issued by the then Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to halt their salary increments.

This protest is in response to the action taken against these thirteen patwaris who were involved in the verification of beneficiaries under the housing scheme. The association's District President, Vinayak Singh Tomar, and Secretary, Saurabh Bhadauria, have submitted a memorandum to the Collector, pleading for immediate intervention.

Investigation Process and Subsequent Actions

The memorandum detailed that joint teams were formed to investigate beneficiaries across wards one to thirty-nine within the municipal area. These teams comprised officials and employees from various government departments, with patwaris playing a key role. The investigation was completed smoothly, and reports were submitted.

However, following the submission of the reports, particularly after September 10, 2022, action was decided upon based on complaints received in some wards. The association has raised questions regarding the veracity of these complaints. The order issued on June 5, 2026, stipulated the stoppage of two increments for these employees on a non-cumulative basis, which represents a significant financial penalty that affects future basic salary increases.

Allegations of One-Sided Action

The Patwari Association has leveled serious accusations against the administration, calling the entire process contrary to the principles of natural justice and entirely one-sided. The core argument of the association is that the thirteen patwaris were not given any opportunity to present their case, offer an explanation, or participate in any hearing during or after the investigation process.

Such punitive action, especially when it impacts their financial future, without adequate hearing, has caused significant resentment and dissatisfaction among the employees. The association believes that before any action is taken against an employee, they should be given a fair chance to face the allegations and defend themselves. This principle is not only legally mandated but also forms the basis of administrative fairness.

Demand for Justice and Fair Procedure

The Patwari Association emphasized that even if any patwari made an error or omission, a proper procedure should have been followed. The association also highlighted that other members were part of the investigation team, raising the question of why action was solely taken against the patwaris.

The association has also released a list of the patwaris affected by this action: Manoj Bhaduria, Rishabh Shukla, Manish Sharma, Rishabh Jain, Abhijit Singh, Anurag Sharma, Manish Mishra, Saurabh Singh, Prashant Sharma, Anand Pandey, Ram Singh Jatav, Dinesh Shakya, and Sohan Sen. The association demands that justice be served to these employees, their interests protected, and the order to halt their salary increments be immediately rescinded.

The association has warned that if their demands are ignored, they will be compelled to resort to protests and agitation.