Srinagar, Nov 8(KNS): An ongoing administrative lapse has left numerous revenue officials in Jammu and Kashmir in an unusual predicament: although appointed as Naib Tehsildars, they continue to be classified and compensated at the lower rank of Girdawars despite taking on higher responsibilities.
These officials have been posted in districts across J&K, often far from their homes, yet remain underpaid due to years of stalled Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings, creating severe stagnation within the ranks.
These Girdawars given responsibility as look after Naib Tehsildars discharge their duties at these higher posts without receiving any incentives as per current posting.
Official documents reveal that these officials were promoted to act as Naib Tehsildars in a “look-after” capacity, meaning they undertake all duties expected of a Naib Tehsildar but do not receive the corresponding salary or benefits. Some have held these roles in the same postings for over a decade, despite being promoted in title alone.
More than 150 Girdawars were promoted as look after Naib Tehsildars from 2017 to 2019 but never confirmed as Naib Tehsildars due to non-conducting of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC).
“The primary reason for this issue is the prolonged absence of regular DPC meetings, which are mandated to be held at least twice a year to review and process promotions. Insiders say that these reviews haven’t occurred for several years, leaving officials in limbo,” said an official.
“We’re bearing the responsibilities of Naib Tehsildars, often working as acting magistrates since the abrogation of Article 370, but still receive Girdawar pay and allowances,” said one of the look after NTs who requested anonymity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
This situation has caused frustration among affected officials, many of whom are stationed far from their residences in districts where they lack access to official housing, travel allowances, or other benefits generally allocated to those at the NT level.
Despite repeated appeals, they say their requests have fallen on deaf ears, with no DPC meetings scheduled to resolve these issues.
For now, these officials remain overburdened and underpaid—a scenario that has led to morale issues and heightened discontent in the ranks of J&K’s revenue department, said an official.
Some of the look after NTs have got superannuation but only retirement benefits of Girdawar which is seen as injustice by the aggrieved.
“I was posted around 120 kilometers away from my home as look after NT. I had to pay accommodation rents, arrange food for self till I got superannuation. We repeatedly requested higher ups to confirm our promotion but our pleas fell on deaf ears,” said one of the retired look after NTs.
He added that on his retirement he was only entitled to the benefits of Girdawar post as he was never confirmed as NT.
Despite repeated attempts, Shaleen Kabra, J&K Financial Commissioner Revenue, remained unavailable for comments.(KNS).