Reform / Odisha to Appoint New Lokayukta Soon: Suresh Pujari

Bhubaneswar, Aug 11: Odisha is set to witness the appointment of a new Lokayukta soon, according to Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.

He confirmed that the selection process has already begun with the first meeting held, involving the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Speaker of the Assembly Surama Padhy, and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik as per constitutional provisions.

“The process will conclude quickly, and Odisha will soon see a new Lokayukta,” Pujari said, stressing that decisions are taken on a majority basis.

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Opposition parties, however, criticized the delay, arguing that the government has taken two years to act on what was pending for 24 years. Pujari countered, “What was not done in 24 years, we are doing in two. What we will achieve in five years, the Opposition cannot even imagine.”

Pujari, who is also the Disaster Management Minister, also highlighted the government’s focus on Column-2 land record amendments, a long-standing issue for landowners.

“Odisha has 1.71 crore landowners. Out of these, more than 1 crore Column-2 amendments have already been completed, while 71 lakh remain,” he said.

Earlier, landowners had to visit tehsil offices and hire lawyers, often waiting years for changes in revenue records. The new system simplifies the process, especially for Hindu heirs, while tribal inheritance cases are being studied carefully to respect cultural traditions.

Pujari added that modalities for pending cases are being prepared, and tehsildars will receive training to handle straightforward inheritance claims quickly.

“Where there is no dispute, revenue officers will be trained to resolve cases swiftly. Farmers whose amendments are pending should submit written applications to the Revenue Department,” he advised.

He assured that registration deadlines will be extended until every farmer is covered.