Patwaris' diminished role to help control forgery

LAHORE - The Punjab government has initiated a project of land record computerisation which will help reduce the patwari’s role in the province. Sources revealed the government would publicise the tenders both in national and international newspapers and electronic media to invite well-reputed national and international firms after the Eid. After short-listing of firms, the project will be awarded to the best firm, they added. The sources informed that the CM had constituted two special committees headed by the chief secretary and senior members board of revenue for finalising the modalities with the concerned firms.

They disclosed that the CM had set the target of completion of land record computerisation project within 16 to 18 months.

It may be recalled that before the government stepped up its effort to start the project of land record computerisation, around 85,000 patwaris observed province-wide strike against the project. Insiders spilled the information that the strike was launched as the anti-corruption establishment had become active against some patwaris who were allegedly part of the land mafia.

The Board of Revenue officials seeking anonymity said that strike was in fact meant to create obstacles in the smooth running of the computerisation and reforms plan of the Punjab Government.

 While the association of patwaris, ‘Anjuman-e-Patwarian Punjab’, ruled out this impression, saying they had been raising these demands since long.