14-point directive for DCs to ensure transparency, accountability in land offices

The Ministry of Land has directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to conduct regular inspections of field-level land offices to make land services more effective, reduce harassment of service recipients and ensure transparency and accountability in land administration. A 14-point directive has been issued to DCs across the country to this end.

The Ministry's Digitisation, Knowledge Management and Performance (DKMP) wing sent a letter to all DCs on Wednesday (August 12) regarding the matter.

The ministry's letter emphasised regular monitoring of the activities of upazila land offices, revenue circles and union and municipal land offices. At the same time, it directed officials to keep an eye on any irregularities, mismanagement and public suffering in the delivery of land services.

The letter stated that as the head of land administration in the district, the DC is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of all field-level land offices. Therefore, they must play an active role in improving the quality of land services and ensuring proper implementation of government directives.

Emphasis has also been placed on ensuring quick and hassle-free services for citizens, maintaining official discipline and establishing accountability in the functioning of land offices. For this purpose, DCs have been asked to monitor field-level situations through regular monitoring.

The Ministry of Land believes that strengthening effective supervision at the district level will reduce irregularities and citizen harassment in land services and establish greater transparency and discipline in the service delivery process.

The 14-point directive for DCs to strengthen supervision are:

Ensure regular attendance, official discipline and punctuality of land office officials and employees.

Regularly monitor whether applications related to land, mutation, land development tax, khatiyan, maps, record corrections and other services are being disposed of within the stipulated time.

Ensure good behaviour towards citizens coming for land services, a harassment-free environment and quality of service.

Regularly review the effectiveness of online land services, e-mutation, land development tax, digital record management and other ICT-based services.

Take effective measures to ensure broker-free and corruption-free services. If complaints are received, conduct swift investigations and take necessary action.

Ensure that the prescribed fees, procedures and time limits for service delivery are visibly displayed.

Ensure an effective complaint receipt and disposal system. Properly use the 'Complaint Management and Technical Support System in Land Services' and dispose of complaints within the stipulated time.

Verify that office cleanliness, document preservation, record management, information boards, citizens' charters, service standards and guidelines are updated.

Ensure proper use and maintenance of government assets, computers, network connections, servers and other IT equipment.

Review the implementation of transparency, accountability, good governance and anti-corruption activities in land offices.

Verify whether land laws, rules, circulars and directives issued by the Ministry of Land are being properly followed.

Increase the number of 'Land Service Support Centres' and regularly supervise their activities.

Conduct surprise inspections to assess the ground reality. If problems, irregularities or limitations are identified and corrective measures are taken, those should be documented in writing. If serious irregularities or corruption allegations are found, conduct immediate investigations and take action according to existing laws and rules. At the same time, ensure accountability of concerned officials and employees by providing necessary guidance for service improvement.

Submit a monthly report summarising the monitoring activities, notable progress, challenges and measures taken to the Ministry of Land by the 10th of the following month.