Datia Collector Stands Firm Against Patwaris’ Pressure Tactics, Says ‘I Do Not Work for Money’

DATIA: Datia District Collector Swapnil Wankhede displayed an uncompromising stance when a large group of patwaris (village-level revenue officers) attempted to pressure the administration at the collectorate office. The patwaris had gathered to protest the suspension of one of their colleagues. However, the collector firmly warned them against such tactics, stating, “I will not bow down. God is with me, and so is Maa (Divine Mother).”

No Tolerance for Pressure on Administration
Collector Wankhede made it clear that attempts to influence the administration through political support or mass gatherings would not be tolerated. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Do you think I will yield just because 60–70 people stand here? Absolutely not. If representatives want to discuss any matter, three to four delegates are enough. Repeatedly coming in large groups is wrong and amounts to deliberately pressuring the administration.”

Repeated Protests Unnecessary
The collector questioned why the same group felt the need to return within 15 days. He sharply criticized the patwaris over issues related to the PM-Kisan scheme and ration distribution. Wankhede emphasized that patwaris should not attempt to influence the collector through public pressure. Clarifying a viral video on social media, he stated that the video was not posted on his official accounts, nor was it recorded by his official videographer.

Public Service Over Personal Interests
Collector Wankhede stressed that any grievances regarding suspension could be discussed individually. “Coming in large groups is not only illegal but also deceives the public,” he said. “I do not work for money; we work for the people. Seeing the public suffer makes us angry, and action will follow.” The collector recounted emotional cases, including families awaiting pensions for years and individuals struggling with basic government services, to underline why such anger arises.

Patwaris’ Justification
The patwaris argued that a colleague’s suspension in Indergarh led to a directive from the tehsildar in Datia asking for medical records, although the employee was under treatment in Gwalior. The collector responded that he was not aware of the matter and that it could be resolved through formal discussion.

Collector Wankhede’s firm response sends a clear message that administrative duties cannot be undermined by mass protests or political pressure, emphasizing accountability and public service over personal or organizational agendas.