Smart Surveillance System to make revenue administration transparent, corruption-free

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 2, 2026

Declaring that there will be no middlemen between the Government and the people, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday announced a series of measures to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in the State’s land registration and revenue administration system.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the surveillance system under the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Minister emphasized that the Government is committed to creating a corruption-free and citizen-centric revenue administration by eliminating the influence of middlemen from registration offices across Odisha.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of a Smart Surveillance System through advanced CCTV cameras in all registration offices of the State and discussed its operation, maintenance and future expansion. Pujari stressed the need for a robust and integrated surveillance and monitoring mechanism to strengthen security and improve governance in registration offices.

During the review, the Minister observed that opportunities for corruption in registration offices often arise due to the activities of middlemen who frequently visit these establishments without any official purpose. To curb such practices, the Government will introduce a Smart Surveillance System capable of identifying habitual middlemen through CCTV-based monitoring.

He further informed that the surveillance framework would be strengthened with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling authorities to accurately identify, track and monitor such individuals. Those found engaging in unauthorized intermediary activities will face appropriate penal action.

Reiterating the Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, Pujari said the land transaction and registration process would be completely insulated from the influence of middlemen. He asserted that ensuring a transparent, accountable and corruption-free revenue administration remains a top priority of the State Government and that reforms would begin with making the registration system fully free from unauthorized intermediaries.

The Minister also announced that the Smart Surveillance System would gradually be expanded to cover all offices under the Revenue Department, including Tahasil and Revenue Inspector (RI) offices. Apart from monitoring public dealings, the system will track attendance and working hours of officials and facilitate monitoring during field visits.

Periodic reviews of the surveillance mechanism will be conducted at the State headquarters under the direct supervision of the Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department. The system will also maintain close oversight of the functioning of officials and staff to improve service delivery and administrative accountability.

In addition, fire safety infrastructure in registration offices will be strengthened through enhanced alert mechanisms. The capacity of the Smart Surveillance System’s Control Room will be upgraded and modern technologies, including real-time monitoring, will be deployed to make revenue administration more transparent, efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs.

Pujari further directed officials to strengthen security arrangements in all registration offices and suggested that Registration Officers be granted additional authority, wherever necessary, by empowering them to function as Executive Magistrates.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Inspector General of Registration P. Anvesha Reddy, Principal Secretary Prakash Mishra, Additional Secretary Diganta Rautaray and other senior officials of the Department.