Many youth in the country dream of joining administrative services. In such a situation, there is often discussion about posts like SDM and Tehsildar. Both the posts are related to the district administration and revenue department, but their work, responsibilities and rights are different. Many people also want to know who is more powerful between SDM and Tehsildar. Let us understand the difference between these two posts.
SDM
SDM i.e. Sub-Divisional Magistrate is the chief administrative officer of a sub-division of a district. He handles the administrative work in that area and works on the instructions of the District Officer. Generally, officers who pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination become SDM after training. Apart from this, officers selected from the State Public Service Commission can also be appointed to the post of SDM.
Tehsildar
Tehsildar is also an important officer of the administrative system, but his work is mainly limited to the tehsil level. The main job of the Tehsildar is to handle revenue related matters.
Often Naib Tehsildar is promoted to Tehsildar. Apart from this, one can also be appointed to this post after passing the State Public Service Commission examination.
Who is more powerful?
If we talk about rights and responsibilities, the post of SDM is considered bigger and more powerful than Tehsildar. SDM has administrative, revenue and magistrate powers, while Tehsildar mainly handles revenue related work. For this reason, SDM is considered a senior officer than Tehsildar in the administrative system.
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What are the responsibilities?
Both SDM and Tehsildar play an important role in the district administration and revenue system. The SDM is responsible for the administration of his area i.e. sub-division, where he monitors land related matters, oversees land revenue collection and maintains coordination in the functioning of various government departments. Along with this, SDM also coordinates with the police administration in maintaining law and order and keeps an eye on the proper implementation of government schemes.
Whereas Tehsildar handles the revenue related work at the Tehsil level. His main work is to safeguard land records and crop data, collect land revenue and government dues and give reports to the government to provide relief to the people when needed. Tehsildar also plays an important role in providing help to the affected people during natural disasters. In this way both the officers work together to run the administration and revenue system smoothly.
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