In a decisive push towards transparent and citizen-centric governance, the Odisha government has launched a major initiative to make land registration offices completely free of middlemen and corruption.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari today finalised the rollout of an advanced Smart Surveillance System across all registration offices in the state.
The system will deploy high-tech CCTV cameras integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically detect and track unauthorised individuals — particularly middlemen who loiter in registration offices without any official work. These individuals will be identified, recorded, and penalised, delivering a strong blow to the corrupt nexus that has long plagued land transactions.
“There will be no middlemen between the Government and the people,” declared Minister Suresh Pujari during the meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan.
“The land transaction and registration process will be kept completely free from their influence. Corruption will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
The Minister emphasised that the Smart Surveillance System is not merely about security but about restoring public trust. By eliminating intermediaries, the government aims to ensure that citizens can complete registrations smoothly, transparently, and without harassment.
Key Features of the Initiative
- AI-Enabled Monitoring: Intelligent cameras will flag suspicious behaviour and unknown repeat visitors.
- Statewide Expansion: The system will gradually extend to Tahasil offices and Revenue Inspector (RI) offices.
- Attendance & Performance Tracking: Real-time monitoring of officials’ attendance, working hours, and field visits.
- Enhanced Safety: Upgraded Control Room with real-time alerts, including strengthened fire safety measures.
- Empowered Officers: Registration Officers will receive additional magisterial powers to maintain order.
Periodic reviews of the entire surveillance network will be conducted at the State Headquarters under the direct supervision of the Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary.
Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department; P. Anvesha Reddy, Inspector General of Registration; and other senior officials attended the meeting and contributed to the detailed implementation roadmap.
