Humble appeal: Financial Commissioner Revenue must hear J&K’s Patwaris’ voice

A respectful request from the basic members of the Revenue Department

By Mohammad Amin Mir

The Revenue Department has long been regarded as the backbone of public administration in Jammu & Kashmir. Whether it is maintaining land records, implementing government schemes, conducting surveys, assisting during natural disasters, or delivering essential public services, the Patwari remains the first and most important link between the government and the people.

Over the past several years, Patwaris have shouldered an extraordinary range of responsibilities. In addition to their statutory duties under the Land Revenue Act, they successfully completed one of the most ambitious land-record digitisation programmes undertaken in Jammu & Kashmir. This remarkable achievement was accomplished despite limited infrastructure, inadequate manpower, and numerous practical challenges in the field.

Today, thousands of grassroots Patwaris make a humble and respectful appeal to the Hon’ble Financial Commissioner Revenue. Their request is neither political nor unreasonable. It is a sincere plea for justice, better working conditions, and the strengthening of an institution that forms the foundation of revenue administration.

The Patwari: The first point of public service

The Patwari is the face of the Revenue Department in every village. Whenever a citizen requires a revenue extract, land verification, mutation, inheritance entry, demarcation, or assistance concerning government land, it is the Patwari who responds first. Even in the age of digital governance, no software can replace the field knowledge, local experience, and practical wisdom that Patwaris possess. Every survey number, boundary, mutation, crop entry, and ownership record ultimately depends upon their verification.

A remarkable achievement in digitisation

One of the greatest achievements of recent years has been the successful digitisation of Jamabandies. Initially, the task was assigned to outsourced agencies. Despite years of effort and considerable resources, the expected progress remained unsatisfactory. Eventually, the responsibility was entrusted to the Patwaris themselves. Working with limited computers, unreliable internet connectivity, little technical assistance, and without additional incentives, they completed the digitisation of the remaining villages within an exceptionally short period. Their dedication ensured that one of the most significant administrative reforms in the Union Territory became a reality.

Growing responsibilities, shrinking capacity

Despite completing this historic task, Patwaris continue to shoulder an ever-growing list of responsibilities. Election duties, census operations, disaster assessments, implementation of development schemes, preparation of verification reports, court-related work, online data updates, grievance redressal, field inspections, departmental reporting, and maintenance of digital portals have all become part of their daily routine. Almost every new government programme eventually reaches the Patwari for execution.

Unfortunately, while responsibilities continue to increase, the number of Patwaris has not grown proportionately. This imbalance inevitably results in increased workload, delays in public service delivery, mental stress, declining efficiency, and growing frustration among field officials. Behind every Patwari is a family. Many travel long distances daily to reach remote villages, work in mountainous terrain under difficult weather conditions, and remain away from their loved ones for extended periods while discharging official duties. These sacrifices often go unnoticed.

The need for career progression

Career progression is another important concern. Every government employee deserves a fair opportunity for professional advancement. When promotions are delayed for years and service conditions remain unchanged despite dedicated work, morale naturally declines. A motivated workforce is essential for an efficient administration. Employees who see opportunities for growth are more willing to embrace reforms, adopt new technologies, and serve the public with greater enthusiasm.

Digital reforms require institutional support

The Revenue Department deserves appreciation for embracing digital governance through online Jamabandies, digital mutations, GIS-based mapping, and electronic public service delivery. These reforms have modernised the department and enhanced transparency. However, technology can succeed only when the officials operating these systems receive adequate support. Digital reforms should simplify work rather than increase the burden by adding new responsibilities while retaining all traditional manual tasks.

The appeal from the grassroots

At this juncture, the grassroots members respectfully appeal to the Hon’ble Financial Commissioner Revenue to consider several genuine concerns, including rationalisation of multiple assignments, timely promotions and career progression, improvement of working conditions, provision of adequate computers and internet connectivity, filling of vacant posts, reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens, recognition of the contribution made by Patwaris during the digitisation process, and constructive dialogue with the All Jammu & Kashmir Patwar Association.

Confidence in the present leadership

It is also important to acknowledge the leadership shown by the present Financial Commissioner Revenue. Among many employees of the Revenue Department, he is widely admired for his accessibility, reform-oriented approach, and willingness to listen to field functionaries. Many affectionately describe him as “the second Lawrence of Jammu & Kashmir”—a comparison intended to express their appreciation for an administrator whom they believe genuinely cares for the welfare of Patwaris and the strengthening of the Revenue Department. Such recognition reflects the confidence that grassroots employees place in his leadership and their hope that their concerns will receive sympathetic consideration.

Why this matters to the public

Better working conditions for Patwaris ultimately benefit the public. Updated land records, quicker disposal of mutations, timely issuance of certificates, reduced land disputes, and more efficient implementation of government schemes all depend upon a motivated and adequately supported field staff. Strengthening the Patwari system is therefore an investment in better governance and improved public service.

Constructive dialogue has always been the hallmark of a progressive administration. Differences between employees and the administration should never become permanent obstacles. The concerns raised by the All Jammu & Kashmir Patwar Association deserve patient hearing and meaningful discussion. Dialogue builds trust, resolves misunderstandings, and produces lasting solutions that serve both the administration and the people.

A respectful concluding appeal

The Patwari is not merely a government employee; he or she is the custodian of land records and the State’s representative in every village. The successful digitisation of Jamabandies demonstrated beyond doubt what Patwaris can achieve when entrusted with responsibility. Today, those very officials seek understanding, recognition, and institutional support.

With folded hands, the grassroots members of the Revenue Department respectfully appeal to the Hon’ble Financial Commissioner Revenue to consider their genuine concerns with empathy, fairness, and administrative wisdom. A satisfied and motivated Patwari will strengthen the Revenue Department, improve governance, and ensure better service to every citizen of Jammu & Kashmir.

Listening to the voices of those working at the grassroots is not merely an administrative necessity—it is the foundation of responsive, efficient, and people-centric governance.