Patna, March 18 Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha initiated departmental action against protesting circle and revenue officers on Wednesday, as their indefinite agitation continued across the state.
Speaking to reporters here, Sinha, who also holds the portfolio of the revenue and land reforms department, said, "The additional district land acquisition officer of Araria, and the circle officers of Patna and Ghorasahan in East Champaran district have been suspended with immediate effect."
He asserted that those working at the headquarters have the responsibility to ensure that government work is not obstructed.
He also said that officers who create disruption will not be tolerated.
"Strict action will be taken against those who attempt to disrupt official functioning, incite people, spread misinformation, and create a negative atmosphere about the government through the media," Sinha added.
Officers and staff from nearly all 537 circles resumed their indefinite strike on March 9, alleging that the state government had failed to honour assurances given during earlier talks with Sinha, which had led to the suspension of the previous agitation.
The officers had first launched an indefinite strike on February 2 after the state cabinet's January 29 decision to create the new post of sub-divisional revenue officer (SDRO) on a par with deputy collector land reforms (DCLR).
Since the strike resumed, Sinha had issued frequent warnings for "strict action" against "those obstructing government work."