SDM Vs Tehsildar: What is the difference between SDM and Tehsildar, who is more powerful? know how to work...

SDM Vs Tehsildar: There is a lot of difference in functions and seniority in the posts of SDM and Tehsildar. From the selection process to the promotion of both, it is done in different ways. SDMs are IAS selected by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in most states. This is considered to be his starting position in the states. Whereas Tehsildar is selected under the State Public Service Commission (PCS). Their transfer is limited to the states only. Their work is related to revenue. Let us tell you about it in detail.

SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate)
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDM) is the chief civil officer of the subdivision and has almost the same functions as the DM, but the SDM is instructed by the DM to carry out various functions. The SDM has enough powers to coordinate the work in the sub-division. He exercises direct control over the Tehsildars and their employees. He is enabled to interact directly with the government and other departments on routine matters. SDM is a probationary level officer when recruited through UPSC CSE. A Tehsildar from PCS is also promoted to the level of SDM after 20-23 years of service.

Work of SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate)
Like the Deputy Commissioner, his main duties include revenue, executive, and judicial work. In revenue matters, he is of the first class of Assistant Collector, but under certain Acts, the powers of the Collector have been assigned to him. The powers and responsibilities related to revenue, magisterial, executive, and development matters under the jurisdiction of the Sub Divisional Officer are similar to those of a Deputy Commissioner. His revenue duties included supervision and inspection of all matters from assessment to collection of land revenue. Coordination of the work of all the officers in the sub-division, especially in the revenue, agriculture, animal husbandry, and public health departments within the sub-division. His magisterial duties also include liaison and coordination with the police in the sub-division.

Tehsildar
Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars are the key officials in revenue administration and exercise the powers of the Assistant Collector II category. A Tehsildar is promoted from Naib Tehsildar. Tehsildar holds the powers of Assistant Collector I Category while deciding the cases of partition. Tehsildars are selected through the State Public Service Commission (PCS) and are entrusted with the task of collecting revenue and maintaining records in a taluka or tehsil of a district. Tehsildar is the junior-level officer of SDM.

Work of Tehsildar
The main function of the Tehsildar is to collect revenue. Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar have to tour extensively in their areas. Revenue records and crop statistics are also maintained by them. Tehsildar and Naib-Tehsildar are responsible for the collection of land revenue and other dues to the government. It is within the jurisdiction of Tehsildars and Naib-Tehsildars to keep in touch with subordinate revenue officials, listen to the difficulties of farmers, and disburse active loans while inspecting the weather conditions and condition of crops. After this they take up urgent matters and include rectification of account books, providing relief to people facing natural calamities, etc. On his return from the tour, he prepares the report and recommends to the government the exemption or suspension of land revenue. Apart from this, the records are also kept updated.