Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu/Srinagar, (DD)In a rare instance of dual disciplinary action, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has imposed penalties on Rakesh Kumar, a revenue official currently serving in the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), for two separate cases of misconduct committed during his tenure as Patwari in Gole Gujral and Akhnoor Khas.
In the first case, finalized by the Revenue Department on the recommendations of the General Administration Department, Rakesh Kumar was found guilty of falsifying land records concerning 3 kanals of land at Gole Gujral, Jammu. The records were allegedly manipulated to facilitate the illegal sale and purchase of land, violating legal and administrative norms. Following a departmental inquiry, the charges were proven, and the government imposed a penalty of withholding five annual increments with cumulative effect under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Rules.
Simultaneously, the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), through a separate inquiry, concluded proceedings in another case against the same official from his tenure as Patwari of Akhnoor Khas, District Jammu. The inquiry revealed serious lapses, including deliberate delay in public services, maintenance of a tout system, and violation of the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA). The report cited over 200 rejected applications for land documents, many timed just before PSGA deadlines, and arbitrary denial of mutations and demarcations.
After extensive departmental scrutiny and recommendations from the Divisional Commissioner Jammu and the Deputy Commissioner, the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) ordered the withholding of three annual increments with cumulative effect and directed that the official be transferred to a non-sensitive post with minimal public interaction. However, he has now been reinstated, pending further posting orders.
The coordinated action by multiple government departments underscores a renewed focus on accountability and transparency in revenue administration. Officials stated that the penalties serve as a warning to other government servants found indulging in corrupt or negligent behavior, especially in public-facing roles.
Both penalties have now been formally imposed and orders communicated to the concerned departments for implementation( DD)