Government Cracks Down as Bihar Revenue Officers’ Strike Deepens: ‘No Work, No Pay’ Warning Issued

Patna: A major confrontation has erupted in Bihar between the state government and the Bihar Revenue Service (BRS) officers after more than 1,000 Circle Officers (COs) and Revenue Officers (ROs) went on strike from February 2, protesting against the government’s decision to restructure the promotion system within the revenue department.

The strike has triggered serious administrative disruption across the state, impacting crucial work such as land surveys and digitisation of land records, while the government has responded with strict action, including the withdrawal of official facilities and a threat to stop salaries.

What Sparked the Dispute?

The controversy began after the Bihar Cabinet on January 29 approved the creation of a new post titled Sub-Divisional Revenue Officer (SRO) at the sub-division level.

However, unlike the earlier promotional structure, the newly created post is not a magistrate-level position, and the decision has drastically altered the career path of BRS officers.

Under the new rule:

• A BRS officer who starts as a Revenue Officer and later becomes a Circle Officer
• Will now be promoted to the SRO post
• But will no longer be eligible for promotion to the post of Deputy Collector Land Reforms (DCLR)

Earlier, DCLR was considered the highest achievable position for BRS officers. Now, the DCLR post will reportedly be reserved only for officers of the Bihar Administrative Service (BAS).

BRS Officers Call it ‘Unfair and Demoralising’

Striking officers have argued that the decision will severely damage morale and could lead to widespread corruption in the system.

Several Circle Officers warned that if the government does not reverse the decision, officers will refuse to accept the SRO promotion, calling it a “symbolic post” without authority or dignity.

They claimed that BRS officers spend years in service handling critical land administration responsibilities, but are now being denied the top post in their cadre.

Strike Hits Land Survey and Digitisation Work

Bihar has 534 blocks, each managed by one Circle Officer and one Revenue Officer. With officers staying away from duty, the strike has caused a major setback in:

• State-wide land survey projects
• Digitisation of land records
• Routine revenue and land dispute-related work

Officials fear that delays may affect governance and public services, particularly in rural areas where land records are already a sensitive issue.

Government Orders Return of Vehicles and Laptops

In a strong counter move, the Bihar government has ordered striking officers to return official resources such as:

• Government vehicles
• Official laptops

The administration has also made it clear that under the “No Work, No Pay” policy, salaries of officers will be withheld for the days they remain absent.

The government’s message is clear: protest will not be allowed to paralyse administrative machinery.

Tension Escalated After Minister’s Public Rebuke

The clash reportedly intensified during the online land survey campaign when Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue & Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha publicly reprimanded several officers during grievance hearings, citing allegations of corruption.

While the immediate trigger for the strike was the creation of the SRO post, the officers claim that the department has been under pressure and humiliation for months.

Revenue Service Association Challenges Government Move

The Bihar Revenue Service Association (BRSA) has strongly opposed the decision.

BRSA President Anand Kumar, in a memorandum submitted on February 1 to Principal Secretary C.K. Anil, stated that the government had earlier assured that it would respect judicial directions and would not alter the existing promotion structure.

However, the cabinet’s approval of the SRO post, he said, has shattered that trust and lowered the morale of the entire cadre.

Officers Defend Their Workload

A senior Circle Officer admitted that COs have a poor public image and some may be involved in corruption, but argued that most officers work extremely hard.

He claimed that managing land digitisation and administrative responsibilities often requires 16 to 18 hours of daily work, and that the strike is not about privileges, but about protecting service rules and career dignity.

He further questioned why a BAS officer could become DCLR within a year, while BRS officers with over a decade of experience may never reach that position.

Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha: ‘We Have Taught Them a Lesson’

Responding to the protest, Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha stated that the government had promised to form a three-member committee to examine service-related matters.

However, he expressed disappointment that officers continued their strike despite the assurance.

Taking a hard stand, he said the government has “taught them a strict lesson,” adding that even if the decision feels bitter, it will certainly have an impact.

Who Will Back Down?

The standoff has now turned into a major political and administrative issue in Bihar. While BRS officers are demanding restoration of their promotional rights to the DCLR post, the government appears determined to enforce the new cadre system and discipline the striking staff.

With land administration being one of Bihar’s most sensitive governance sectors, the coming days will decide whether the government agrees to negotiations or the revenue officers intensify their protest further.