The correct option is (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation
The Patwari (also known as Lekhpal, Kanungo, or Village Accountant) is a government administrative official at the village level responsible for land revenue administration. While not an elected Panchayat member, the Patwari works in coordination with the village administration to maintain land data.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Assertion (A): Correct. The primary duties of a Patwari include measuring land, maintaining land records (such as Khasra and Khatauni), and organizing the collection of land revenue from farmers. They are the custodian of land rights records at the village level.
- Reason (R): Correct. The Patwari system is established to ensure a decentralized mechanism for record-keeping. By stationing an official at the village level, the administration ensures that land ownership, crop yields, and land use changes are verified physically and locally.
Justification for Explanation:
The reason (R) correctly explains the assertion (A) because the functional mandate of maintaining records and collecting revenue (A) is assigned to the Patwari specifically to fulfill the administrative necessity of decentralized, village-level verification of land ownership (R). The system's design (decentralization) dictates the function (local record maintenance).
Key Takeaway:
The Patwari is the village-level revenue official responsible for maintaining land records and collecting land revenue, serving as the primary link between the district administration and the village.