‘Fard’ in Violation of Norms Raises Red Flags, Non-Local Buyer Caught in Bureaucratic Web
- A non-local buyer was issued a ‘Fard’ for land in violation of norms in Jammu Tehsil outside municipal limits raising concerns about potential fraud within the Revenue Department.
- The buyer is unable to register the land due to the requirement of an Agriculture Certificate, which non-locals cannot obtain, and the ‘Fard”s issuance despite this regulation raises further concerns.
- The Patwari who issued the ‘Fard’ claimed it wasn’t his responsibility to verify the legality of ‘Fard’ for non-locals and that the buyer should comply with the Registrar’s requirements for registration of land under question
- According to sources within the Revenue Department, officers who engage in corrupt practices enjoy the patronage of higher authorities, while those who uphold the law are often marginalized or overlooked. This environment breeds a culture of impunity and undermines the morale of honest officers, perpetuating wrongdoing within the department.
jj correspondent
Jammu, May 29: A disturbing case of potential fraud and official negligence has come to light in Jammu Tehsil, leaving a non-local buyer in a precarious situation and raising serious questions about the integrity of the Revenue Department.
In April 2024, a ‘Fard’ (ownership document) was issued in favour of a non-local buyer for a plot located within an unauthorized colony. The document bears the signatures of the Patwari, Girdawar, Naib Tehsildar, and Tehsildar, indicating official sanction. However, the very issuance of this ‘Fard’ appears questionable, as Fard of agriculture type of land is issued for non – local
Further fuelling suspicion, the registration of the land has been delayed despite the ‘Fard”s issuance. A crucial rule mandates that agriculture land in JK UT can be purchased by a person having Agriculture Certificate. This requirement presents a major obstacle for the non-local buyer, as they are ineligible to obtain an Agriculture Certificate. This begs the question: why was the buyer not informed of this crucial regulation before the ‘Fard’ was issued, leaving him vulnerable to potential financial loss? Even a resident of Ladakh Union Territory, when purchasing land outside municipal limit in J&K UT, requires an Agriculture Certificate.
The Patwari responsible for issuing the ‘Fard’, when questioned, claimed it wasn’t his duty to verify the legality of the fard to non-local and that the Registrar is responsible for checking the validity of the ‘Fard and the buyer’s compliance with relevant regulations. However, this explanation raises further concerns about the lack of accountability within the Revenue Department. Why couldn’t the department have cautioned the buyer beforehand that the land belonged to an unauthorized colony and that he wouldn’t be eligible to buy agriculture land out of municipal limits?
The victim in this case, despite paying advance money, is now trapped in a bureaucratic maze, forced to run from pillar to post to secure the registration of his land. This incident highlights the misuse of official power and a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability.
According to sources within the Revenue Department, officers who engage in corrupt practices enjoy the patronage of higher authorities, while those who uphold the law are often marginalized or overlooked. This environment breeds a culture of impunity and undermines the morale of honest officers, perpetuating wrongdoing within the department.
The government must take immediate steps to investigate this case and ensure that innocent buyers are protected from such fraudulent activities. Furthermore, clear guidelines and procedures should be implemented to inform buyers about the rules and regulations associated with land transactions, especially when dealing with unauthorized colonies.
This incident underscores the need for comprehensive reforms within the Revenue Department, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all. The government must prioritize protecting the interests of the public and ensure that those in positions of authority uphold the principles of good governance.
