Saxena accepts a long-pending demand of the All Ladakh Goba Association to keep experienced community leaders in office
Leh, October 9: Nambardars in Ladakh will now be able to serve until the age of 63, up from 60. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the change, meeting a longstanding demand of the Union Territory’s village heads.
The decision follows a request from the President of the All Ladakh Goba Association during the L-G’s interaction with Nambardars from across the region at Lok Niwas on October 3. The association had asked for the 60-year cap to be removed altogether for Nambardars who remain capable and continue to enjoy public support.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Rules, 1980, a Nambardar serves a five-year term or until turning 60, whichever comes first. Using his powers under Section 6 of the J&K Lambardari Act, 1972, read with Rule 16 of the 1980 Rules, the L-G has raised the upper age limit to 63. The five-year term stays the same.
The administration says the move will ensure continuity in grassroots governance and preserve local and traditional knowledge. It will also ease the practical difficulty of finding replacements in Ladakh’s remote, high-altitude villages.
Saxena described Nambardars, also known as Gobas, as a vital link between the administration and the people. Their knowledge of local customs and concerns helps government services and welfare schemes reach the last mile.
The decision follows the L-G’s earlier move to raise the monthly honorarium of Nambardars from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000.
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