L-G VK Saxena approves more than three-fold enhancement in emoluments of Nambardars (village heads) in Ladakh.

L-G VK Saxena approves more than three-fold enhancement in emoluments of Nambardars (village heads) in Ladakh.
Monthly emoluments of 247 Nambardars increased from meagre Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 per month, an increase of over 233 per cent.
Move addresses long-standing demand and recognises the vital role of Nambardar’s in government-village interface.
Leh, September 21: In a landmark decision that ensures the financial security of Nambardars (village heads) and recognises their vital role in governance at the grassroots in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, has approved enhancement of the monthly emoluments of Nambardars from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 per month, a substantial increase of over 233 per cent.
This enhancement, the first in the last 10 years; i.e. since 2016, will benefit 247 Nambardars, locally known as Gobas, across the Union Territory. L-G Shri Saxena said this move, apart from financially supporting the Nambardars, will strengthen participatory governance in Ladakh, which is crucial for sustainable and inclusive development in Ladakh.
The decision addresses a long-standing concern of the Nambardars (Gobas) for enhancement of their emoluments. During his visits to different villages across Ladakh, L-G Shri Saxena had been receiving representations from the Nambardars regarding increasing their emoluments. Recently, on September 19, 2026, a delegation of Nambardars from different villages had also met the Lieutenant Governor and sought an increase in their emoluments, saying the existing amount was too low in view of the responsibilities performed by Nambardars.
Taking note of their concerns, the Lieutenant Governor had directed the Chief Secretary to look into the matter and address the issue.
It may be noted that Nambardars (Gobas) occupy a key position at the grassroots level and serve as a bridge between the Government and villagers. Their responsibilities have assumed greater significance in recent years, with the increasing focus on last-mile delivery of public services and several community-led government initiatives, particularly in remote and geographically difficult areas of Ladakh. Their regular engagement with villagers enables them to communicate local requirements to the administration while also helping people understand and access various government initiatives.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the enhancement in emoluments is, therefore, intended not only to provide greater financial support but also to acknowledge the responsibilities shouldered by Gobas in supporting administrative outreach, development activities and effective implementation of government programmes at the village level.
Interestingly, most of the water-related issues addressed by the Lieutenant Governor in various villages in recent times through his innovative methods were based on the actual input provided by these Nambardars. L-G Shri Saxena was highly impressed with these Nambardars for the way they proactively pursued the pressing problems of 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. I am confident this step will further strengthen their role in ensuring that development programmes, welfare schemes and government services reach every household in a timely and effective manner, while further strengthening participatory governance,” said L-G Shri Saxena.
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 emoluments will come into force from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.