Doda (J&K), September 27: The Jammu Kashmir Lamberdars and Chowkidars Union (JKLCU) on Saturday urged the government to revoke a 2017 administrative order and formulate a comprehensive policy for village-level revenue functionaries, even as it highlighted their “pathetic” living conditions amid stagnant monthly honorariums of ₹1,500.
Addressing a press conference at Shivalik Hotel here, JKLCU chairman Mukesh Parihar lamented that Lamberdars—traditional village headmen responsible for revenue collection and land record maintenance—receive just ₹1,501 per month, while Chowkidars, their counterparts tasked with local policing and reporting duties, get ₹1,500. “These meagre amounts have remained unchanged for years, despite skyrocketing living costs and our expanded responsibilities,” Mr. Parihar said, adding that many families struggle to cover even basic school fees for their children.
The union’s grievances stem from evolving demands on these grassroots workers, who now report to as many as 30 government departments, including revenue, agriculture, and health. With the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Department’s shift to digital platforms, “every small and big task goes online, making our work far more difficult,” Mr. Parihar noted. He pointed out that under updated guidelines, new appointees must be literate—a criterion met by most recent recruits, many of whom are “highly qualified” youth navigating complex online systems without commensurate support or remuneration.
At the heart of the demands is the revocation of SRO 412, issued on September 29, 2017, which the union views as outdated and restrictive in regulating appointments and duties for Lamberdars and Chowkidars. Mr. Parihar called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to scrap the order and introduce a “regular policy” that recognises Lamberdari and Chowkidari as primary occupations, rather than honorary roles. The plea extends to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with the union requesting that these workers be brought under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to ensure fair pay aligned with inflation and sectoral benchmarks. Additionally, it seeks a monthly pension for retirees at age 60, addressing a long-standing gap in social security for this cadre.
“Lamberdars and Chowkidars are the extended arms of the administration at the village level, yet we live in miserable conditions,” Mr. Parihar emphasised, underscoring their role in everything from dispute resolution to disaster reporting. The union also issued an open appeal to Lamberdars and Chowkidars across districts to unite in the struggle, framing it as a collective fight for dignity and sustainability.
The event saw participation from district leaders, including deputy secretary Ravi Bhardwaj, organiser Anil Kumar, Anchal Katoch, Vijay Chandel, tehsil Gundna chief organiser Bashanbar Lal, and Rajesh Kumar, a local Lamberdar. No immediate response was available from the Revenue Department on the demands.
The JKLCU’s push comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir’s labour landscape is undergoing revisions, with indicative minimum wage rates for 2025 set to reflect rising costs in sectors like agriculture and public services—areas where these village workers play a pivotal yet underpaid role.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
