Leh, Oct 3: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday interacted with nearly 200 Nambardars, or village heads, from across Ladakh at Lok Niwas as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public grievance redressal.
The interaction was organised to strengthen coordination between the Administration and Nambardars, who serve as a link between the government and local communities. Saxena acknowledged their role in communicating public concerns, facilitating welfare schemes and helping the Administration identify developmental issues at the village level.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said such direct interactions with Nambardars would continue in the future. He said their first-hand knowledge of local conditions would help the Administration better understand the needs of different villages and take appropriate action.
Saxena described Nambardars as an important link between the Administration and the people, saying their close association with local communities gives them a better understanding of their problems, aspirations and requirements.
During the interaction, Nawang Tsering, President of the All Ladakh Goba Association, thanked the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of the Nambardars for increasing their monthly emoluments from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000. The enhancement benefits 247 Nambardars across Ladakh.
The Nambardars also raised concerns over an acute water shortage affecting several villages in Ladakh and sought the Lieutenant Governor’s intervention. Saxena assured them that the issue would be taken up on priority.
Recalling his visits to different parts of Ladakh, Saxena said Nambardars had often been his first point of contact and had provided valuable information about local challenges and developmental priorities.
He said their suggestions had contributed to the implementation of projects and initiatives such as Him Sarovar, rock check dams, measures to address land degradation and efforts to divert untapped glacier streams.
The Lieutenant Governor said inputs from Nambardars would help the Administration identify gaps in public service delivery and prioritise interventions according to local requirements.
He urged them to continue highlighting issues related to water availability, land protection, environmental conservation, employment and livelihood opportunities.
Saxena assured the Nambardars that Lok Niwas would remain accessible to them so that issues affecting local communities could be brought directly to the Administration for appropriate action.
He said the increase in their monthly emoluments was not only financial support but also recognition of their role in strengthening participatory governance and ensuring last-mile delivery of public services.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that continued cooperation from Nambardars would further strengthen coordination between the Administration and communities across Ladakh.
