Solve issue in two visits: After farmer's suicide, Kerala orders officials to work faster

Revenue Department issued a circular ordering village offices not to harass people People should not be made to visit village office more than twice Tehsildars would be held responsible for any untoward incidents in their jurisdiction

It seems the farmer's suicide at a village office in Kerala have shaken the government. The revenue department issued a circular ordering village offices not to harass people. 

As per the circular, people should not be made to go to village offices more than twice. Land tax should be collected from landowners whenever they want to. In case it is not possible on a particular day they should be allowed to make payment the next day itself and issue the receipt. 

If there is any legal or technical obstacle, the owner of the land should be informed about that in writing along with a suggestion to seek remedy from tehsildar. The tehsildar should look into the issue at the earliest and forward the file to concerned officers. 

The department has also warned revenue officials of strict action in case of another tragic incident. Tehsildars will be held responsible for any untoward incidents within his jurisdiction as they are supposed to ensure better services at village offices.

The circular also states that revenue officials shall not collect tax on the same property more than once but are free to collect tax on land that has not been surveyed yet.