Four revenue officials suspended

Mr Naidu, speaking during the second phase of the Mee Intiki-Mee Bhumi programme at Mulukuduru of Ponnur mandal, said citizens had to approach the Revenue department for 67 certificates, including birth, death, nativity, life etc. But for this, they had to make several trips.

He added that the department was known for harassing the public. “I have worked as a revenue minister in the past and observed the anomalies and have tried to change the system but in vain. This weird culture is still continuing in the Revenue department. I want to reshuffle the Revenue department and I am starting an online system to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.

Mr Naidu added that at one time karanams and munasabs used to handle the land records and write sales and purchase agreements. No one could follow the writing so they were forced to visit them again to get the details. “In some cases, there are no objections from both the seller and the purchaser and neighbouring farmers but the Revenue department creates litigations and sets up objections, which is very strange,” the CM said.

“A person can have as many shares as he wants and keep them in demat accounts and sell them instantly. But we cannot sell our own land without the permission of the Revenue department,” he said, adding that applicants had to bribe Revenue officials to get certificates. Mr Naidu said he would initiate stern action, including dismissal, if the staff took bribes or were lazy in their approach.