A collective open letter to Financial Commissioner, Revenue, and Commissioner Secretary, Revenue. Irrational halqas. Rs 2,400 grade pay. No technical grade. Unrealistic digitisation deadlines. A three-day pen-down strike proposed for April 13, 15, and 16. ‘Let this moment be remembered not for unrest, but for resolution.’
Mir Amin
Respected Sir,
With utmost respect, deep regard, and a sense of institutional responsibility, we—the Patwaris and Girdawars of Jammu & Kashmir—take this opportunity to place before your esteemed offices a heartfelt and collective appeal. This is not merely a communication of demands; it is a reflection of lived realities, administrative burdens, and a sincere hope for responsive governance under your dynamic leadership.
At the very outset, we express our gratitude for the administrative vision and reform-oriented approach that your offices have consistently demonstrated. Your stewardship of the Revenue Department has inspired confidence among field functionaries, who view your leadership as both progressive and empathetic.
It is in this spirit of trust and expectation that we submit this open letter.
The backbone of revenue administration
The revenue machinery of Jammu & Kashmir stands firmly on the shoulders of its grassroots functionaries—the Patwaris and Girdawars. Historically, these positions have not merely been clerical or record-keeping roles; they have been the very interface between the State and its citizens in matters of land, rights, and governance.
From maintaining Jamabandies and Girdawaries to facilitating mutations, demarcations, and public services, the Patwari remains the first and often the only accessible authority for rural populations. The Girdawar, as a supervisory officer, ensures that this vast system remains functional and accountable.
However, in the modern era—marked by digitisation, legal complexities, and increasing public expectations—the scope of these roles has expanded exponentially, while institutional support has not kept pace.
The context of the appeal
Recently, the Patwar fraternity across Jammu & Kashmir, through its representative bodies, submitted a formal requisition to your esteemed offices. This requisition reflects long-pending demands that have been under discussion since 2014, yet remain unresolved despite repeated assurances and committee formations.
The issues raised are not new. They are structural, systemic, and deeply rooted in administrative realities.
The urgency of these demands was further highlighted during the All Jammu & Kashmir Patwar Association meeting held on April 5, 2026, at Srinagar, where a unanimous resolution called for immediate government intervention.
It is in continuation of that resolution—and with utmost humility—that we reiterate our concerns.
Key issues and demands
- Rationalisation of Patwar Halqas and Girdawar circles
One of the most pressing challenges is the irrational distribution of Patwar Halqas and Girdawar Circles.
In many areas, a single Patwari is burdened with vast and geographically challenging jurisdictions, often covering multiple villages with difficult terrain. This not only hampers efficiency but also affects service delivery.
Rationalisation is not merely an administrative adjustment—it is a necessity for ensuring accessibility, transparency, and timely public service.
- Grant of technical grade to Patwaris
The role of a Patwari today is highly technical, involving:
Digital record management
GIS-based land mapping
Online mutation systems
Legal verification processes
Despite this, the designation and pay structure do not reflect the technical nature of the job.
Granting Technical Grade status would not only recognise the evolving nature of the role but also enhance morale and professional dignity.
- Enhancement of grade pay
The existing Grade Pay of ₹2400 is disproportionately low when compared to:
The workload
The responsibilities
The risks involved
An enhancement to ₹2800 is both justified and necessary to bring parity with similarly placed technical and field staff in other departments.
- Revision of Naib Tehsildar quota (75:25 pattern)
Career progression remains one of the most demotivating aspects of the Patwar service.
The demand for revising the quota for promotion to Naib Tehsildar on a 75:25 pattern—on the lines of UT Ladakh—is rooted in fairness and merit.
A clear and achievable promotion pathway is essential for sustaining institutional motivation and attracting talent to the service.
The challenge of digitisation: Ground realities
The Government’s push for the digitisation of land records is a commendable initiative. However, its implementation has placed an enormous burden on field staff.
Uploading backlog mutations, verifying legacy records, and ensuring data accuracy require:
Time
Infrastructure
Training
Currently, Patwaris are expected to perform these tasks alongside their routine duties, leading to overwork and inefficiency.
The request for extending deadlines for backlog mutation uploads is not an attempt to delay progress—it is a plea for realistic timelines that ensure quality over haste.
A system under strain
The cumulative effect of these challenges is a system under visible strain:
Delays in service delivery
Increased public dissatisfaction
Mental and physical stress among field staff
Despite these pressures, Patwaris and Girdawars continue to perform their duties with dedication and integrity.
A note of caution: The proposed token strike
As a last resort, and in accordance with a unanimous decision, the Patwar Association has indicated the possibility of a peaceful three-day pen-down token strike on April 13, 15, and 16, 2026.
This is not a step taken lightly.
It reflects the depth of frustration and the urgency of the situation.
However, we firmly believe that under your leadership, such a situation can—and must—be avoided through timely intervention.
A tribute to leadership
Respected Sir, it is important to acknowledge that the Revenue Department today is under the stewardship of officers who are widely regarded as capable, efficient, and employee-friendly.
Your leadership is often spoken of in terms that reflect both admiration and hope.
In fact, many in the field see in your administrative synergy a modern reflection of the historic administrative duo that once laid the foundations of revenue governance in the region.
This perception is not merely symbolic—it is a testament to the trust you have earned.
The way forward: Constructive suggestions
In addition to the demands, we humbly offer the following suggestions:
- Constitute a time-bound committee
A high-level committee with representation from field staff should be constituted to address these issues within a fixed timeframe.
- Field-level consultations
Regular interactions with Patwaris and Girdawars can provide valuable insights into ground realities.
- Infrastructure support
Provision of adequate digital infrastructure, including devices and internet connectivity, is essential for successful digitisation.
- Training and capacity building
Continuous training programs should be conducted to equip staff with modern technical skills.
A Collective Appeal
Respected Financial Commissioner, Revenue, and Commissioner Secretary, Revenue, we stand before you not as agitators, but as partners in governance.
Our demands are not excessive—they are essential.
Our tone is not confrontational—it is respectful.
Our hope is not misplaced—it is rooted in your proven commitment to administrative excellence.
A moment of decision
This is a defining moment for the Revenue Department of Jammu & Kashmir.
The decisions taken today will shape not only the future of land governance but also the morale and efficiency of its workforce.
We urge you to consider our demands with urgency, empathy, and foresight.
Let this moment be remembered not for unrest, but for resolution.
Let it mark the beginning of a new chapter—where policy meets practice, and leadership meets expectation.
With respect and hope,
Patwaris and Girdawars of Jammu & Kashmir
The writer is a columnist and researcher focusing on land laws and governance reforms in Jammu & Kashmir’
mi********@***il.com