Monthly emoluments of 247 Nambardars increased from meagre Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 per month, an increase of over 233 per cent
BY PC Bureau
September 21: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved a more than three-fold increase in the monthly emoluments of Nambardars, or village heads, raising the amount from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000.
The enhancement, an increase of over 233 per cent, will benefit 247 Nambardars, locally known as Gobas, across the Union Territory. The decision comes after a long-standing demand for higher emoluments and marks the first revision in the past 10 years.
Saxena said the move would provide greater financial support to Nambardars while strengthening participatory governance and the administration’s engagement with communities at the grassroots.
During his visits to villages across Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor had received representations from Nambardars seeking an increase in their monthly payments. On September 19, a delegation representing Nambardars from different villages also met Saxena and highlighted the inadequacy of the existing Rs 1,500 monthly emolument in view of their responsibilities.
READ: For Bihar Minister, Molestation of Class 10 Girl Is a “Petty” Crime
Saxena subsequently directed the Chief Secretary to examine the matter and take appropriate action.
Nambardars occupy an important position at the village level, functioning as a link between the administration and local communities. Their role has become particularly significant in Ladakh, where remote and geographically difficult terrain can make the delivery of public services and government programmes challenging.
They communicate local requirements to the administration while helping villagers access government schemes, welfare programmes and public services.
The Lieutenant Governor also noted the contribution of Nambardars in identifying local problems. According to the administration, several water-related issues addressed by Saxena in villages in recent months were based on inputs provided by Gobas. He also praised them for proactively pursuing problems affecting their respective villages.
“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. The enhancement from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 per month recognises their responsibilities and long-standing demand,” Saxena said.
He added that the move would help strengthen the role of Gobas in ensuring that development programmes, welfare schemes and government services reach households in a timely manner.
The revised emoluments have been fixed under the provisions of 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 force from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.
