Rameez Makhdoomi
Patwaris have always played a crucial role in administration throughout the course of history especially in the Indian Sub-continent .For those who are unaware of their importance and history, Patwari is also known as the village accountant (variously known as Tallati, Patel, Karnam, Adhikari, etc.) is an administrative government position found in rural parts of the Indian sub-continent. The office and the officeholder are called the patwari in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bengal, North India and in Pakistan while in Sindh it is called Tapedar . The position is known as the karnam or adhikari in Tamil Nadu, while it is commonly known as the talati in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The position was known as the kulkarni in Northern Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Pertinently, the Patwari system was first introduced during the short but eventful rule of Sher Shah Suri and the system was further enhanced by Emperor Akbar. The British colonial era made minor amendments but continued the system. Hannan is one of the most recognized Patwari.
Patwaris have played a crucial role in the administrative picture of Jammu & Kashmir. But in the state Revenue Officials (Patwaris) are facing tremendous problems despite them rendering valuable services in the state like maintaining revenue records , and is official responsible for keeping record of land, maps and land dealings. and other related work.
Patwaris after seeing their demands unaddressed have resorted to agitation path. In this regard, under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Patwari Association (AJKPA); Patwaris have been on strike for several weeks.
Problems faced by Patawaris are many and most of them look more than genuine. The burning demands include-removal of pay anomalies and recruitment of more revenue officials. Other burning demands include-ban on direct recruitment of Naib Tehsildar, enhancement of PSC Examination chances from four to eight, holding of DPC of qualified Girdawars for promotion as Naib Tehsildar, transparency in transfer policy, reorganization of Patwar Halqas, construction of Patwar Khanas and enhancement of Sair Kharcha.
It is worth pointing out here that several legendary personalities in Kashmir have rendered their services as Patwaris. Mahjoor, one of the most renowned poets of Kashmir also worked as a Patwari in Kashmir.
Shamefully enough, even the implementation of sixth Pay Commission recommendation are not implemented fully with reference to Patwaris despite them rendering toiling and valuable services.
Despite repeated assurances the state government on actuality according to Patwaris has not paid any heed to their demands and this has left them with agitation means only to get their demands fulfilled.
Syed Abid Andrabi, important representative of All Jammu and Kashmir Patwari Association (AJKPA), while talking to The Kashmir Scenario stated- “Patwaris are facing many problems. Those Patwaris recruited in 2010 especially have been grossly facing pay anomalies .It is a matter of worry that after three decades when a Patwari is promoted as Gridawar then he is supposed to go through examinations for Naib Tehsildar and in old age he faces lot of problems preparing for the same. We are demanding -ban on direct recruitment of Naib Tehsildar, enhancement of PSC Examination chances from four to eight, holding of DPC of qualified Girdawars for promotion as Naib Tehsildar. It is a matter of shame that despite being a revenue system based entirely on Urdu Language, non-Urdu knowing are appointed directly as Naib `Tehsildars which gravely impacts the efficiency of Revenue system. “
Andrabi adds- “All the recommendations of sixth pay commission should be implemented in letter and spirit. The state government had agreed to almost all of our burning demands but assurances have never been implemented on actual ground.”
Sajjad Ahmad shah, a villager stated-“We are facing lot of problems on account of continuing strike of Patwaris as lot of our issues are remaining unaddressed. The concerned authorities should wake up and immediately address the issues of agitating Patwaris so that masses on ground do not bear the brunt.”
In this regard when the Kashmir Scenario contacted Vinod Kaul, Secretary, Revenue Department, he stated- “I would like to state that I have undertaken the charge recently, but we have almost solved the short-term issues of Patwaris and order related to solving the pay anomalies is about to be issued. For solving the long term issues, the representatives of Patwaris need to come on dialogue table and these can be sorted out through discussion. We have advised them to end the strike for now .”
On the holistic paradigm, the Patwaris are facing many problems and the need of the hour is to address their genuine demands.