Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday interacted with nearly 200 Nambardars from across the Union Territory in a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving coordination between the administration and village representatives.
The interaction, held at Lok Niwas, was part of a series of engagements planned to strengthen the relationship between the administration and Nambardars, who act as a link between the government and local communities.
Addressing the gathering, Saxena acknowledged the role of Nambardars in facilitating government welfare initiatives and conveying public grievances and developmental concerns to the administration. He said such interactions would continue in future to help the administration better understand local needs and take appropriate action.
The Lieutenant Governor said Nambardars remain closely connected with their communities and possess valuable knowledge about local issues, aspirations and developmental requirements.
During the meeting, President of the All Ladakh Goba Association, Nawang Tsering, thanked the Lieutenant Governor for enhancing the monthly honorarium of Nambardars from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000, benefiting 247 Nambardars across Ladakh.
The village heads raised concerns over acute water shortages in several villages and sought the administration’s intervention. Saxena assured them that the issue would be addressed on priority.
He said inputs from Nambardars had previously helped in implementing initiatives such as Him Sarovar, rock check dams, diversion of untapped glacier streams and measures aimed at reversing land degradation.
Saxena urged the Nambardars to continue highlighting issues related to water resources, land protection, environmental conservation, employment and livelihoods so that necessary interventions could be undertaken.
Assuring continued support, the Lieutenant Governor said Lok Niwas would remain accessible to Nambardars for raising public issues and facilitating their resolution through appropriate administrative measures. He added that the enhancement of their honorarium reflected recognition of their role in participatory governance and last-mile delivery of public services.
