Jharkhand News: Departmental Action Against Ajay Tirkey for Alleged Forest Land Registration Violations

Ranchi, October 22, 2024: The Jharkhand Administrative Service officer, Ajay Tirkey, who previously served as the Executive Magistrate and Sub-Registrar in Nagar Untari, Garhwa, is now facing departmental action due to allegations of improper registration of forest land. The allegations, which concern the registration of restricted forest land, have raised significant concerns regarding governance and land management practices in the region.

Current Status of Allegations

The allegations against Ajay Tirkey revolve around the registration of two plots of land located in Kalain village, under the jurisdiction of the Chandwa Circle Office. The plots in question include Old Account No. 1, Plot No. 891, with a new account number of 2141, covering an area of 0.34 acres, and Old Account No. 1, Plot No. 1404, with a new account number of 10, covering 2.46 acres. The total area of the disputed land amounts to approximately 2.80 acres of forest land, which is prohibited for registration.

On April 27, 2023, Ajay Tirkey allegedly registered this restricted land for the Son Kanhar Underground Pipeline Project without conducting a thorough investigation, as required by law. The move has been criticized for lacking due diligence, raising questions about transparency and accountability in land management practices.

Government Actions

In response to the allegations, the Garhwa district commissioner initiated an investigation through the Revenue Registration and Land Reform Department. On April 9, 2024, a charge sheet was prepared, and action was recommended against Tirkey. The preliminary investigation established substantial evidence supporting the allegations, prompting officials to take further action.

The district commissioner’s office issued directives to ensure that proper protocols are followed in land registration and that similar incidents do not recur in the future. This proactive stance is essential for maintaining public trust in the administrative system.

Investigative Process

To oversee the investigation, a retired IAS officer, Kamal John Lakra, has been appointed as the investigating officer. Tirkey has been given a period of 15 days to submit a written defense regarding the charges against him. This period is crucial for gathering evidence and preparing a comprehensive response, which will be considered during the ongoing investigation.

The involvement of a retired IAS officer underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough and impartial examination of the facts. The outcome of this investigation will play a pivotal role in determining the future of Tirkey within the administrative framework.

Implications for Local Governance

The allegations against Ajay Tirkey highlight significant implications for local governance and land management practices in Jharkhand. The registration of restricted forest land not only violates legal provisions but also jeopardizes the integrity of land records, which are crucial for planning and development.

Improper registration can lead to unauthorized land use and encroachment, undermining environmental conservation efforts and affecting local communities that rely on forest resources. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to land registration protocols and the need for rigorous oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The government’s response to these allegations will also signal its commitment to upholding ethical standards within the public administration. Transparency and accountability in land management are critical for fostering public confidence and ensuring that government officials act in the best interests of the community.

As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments to gauge the potential repercussions for Ajay Tirkey and the broader implications for governance in Jharkhand. The outcome will be pivotal in shaping policies aimed at enhancing the accountability of public officials and protecting vital forest resources.