By: Muhammad Ijaz Afridi
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced strict measures against negligence, tampering with land records, and unauthorised changes to official documentation. Authorities have emphasised that any officers found tampering with land records or making unauthorised modifications will face serious consequences.
In this context, the Directorate of Land Records, part of the Revenue and Estate Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has issued clear instructions to all settlement officers to ensure the security and transparency of land records.
The circular from the directorate states that all necessary steps should be taken to safeguard valuable land records, and compliance with these instructions is mandatory. Each revenue officer and staff member is to be assigned specific responsibilities to maintain the security and integrity of settlement records.
Officers have been instructed to implement a 24-hour duty system at completion centres and conduct regular inspections. Effective surveillance is to be ensured through the installation of CCTV cameras. The circular further requires officers to visit the completion centres at least once a month and report on the records, storage conditions, and other arrangements to the Chief Settlement Office.
Additionally, it has been mandated that district-level officers maintain close communication with the Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer to arrange for extra security if necessary.
The department has outlined the need for proper maintenance of records, which includes ensuring adequate ventilation, providing fire extinguishers, managing moisture and pest control, and storing records in metal or high cabinets. Furthermore, an entry and exit register must be maintained in each record room to ensure that no records are removed without permission.
Officers have been warned that negligence, tampering, or unauthorised disposal of land records will result in action under relevant laws.
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The circular also states that an emergency plan should be developed to address situations such as fire, flood, or theft, and contact information for responsible officers should be prominently displayed.
