SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a more than three-fold increase in the monthly emoluments of Nambardars, or village heads, in Ladakh, raising the amount from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000.
The decision will benefit 247 Nambardars, locally known as Gobas, across the Union Territory. The revised emoluments mark an increase of over 233 per cent and come after a gap of nearly a decade.
The enhancement follows a long-standing demand from Nambardars, who have sought an increase in their emoluments in view of their responsibilities at the grassroots level.
During his visits to villages across Ladakh, Saxena received representations from Nambardars seeking an increase. On September 19, a delegation of Nambardars from different villages also met the Lieutenant Governor and raised the issue.
Taking note of their concerns, Saxena directed the Chief Secretary to examine the matter and address the demand.
Nambardars play a key role as a link between the administration and villagers, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas of Ladakh. They help communicate local issues to the administration and facilitate access to government schemes, welfare programmes and public services.
The administration said their role has become increasingly important with the focus on last-mile delivery of government services and community-led development initiatives.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the contribution of Nambardars in identifying local issues. Several water-related problems addressed in villages in recent months were based on inputs provided by Gobas, the administration said.
“The role of Nambardars (Gobas) is crucial because they remain closely connected with the people and serve as a vital link between the administration and our villages,” Saxena said.
He said the increase from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 recognised their responsibilities and long-standing demand, and would strengthen their role in ensuring the effective delivery of development programmes, welfare schemes and government services.
The revised emoluments have been fixed under the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Act, 1972 and the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Rules, 1980, as applicable to the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The revised amount will come into effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.
