Leh, Sept 19: In a move aimed at making government services more accessible in remote areas, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has authorised Naib-Tehsildars holding independent charge of a Tehsil to issue Reserved Category Certificates and Income Certificates within their respective jurisdictions.
The decision is intended to reduce the difficulties faced by residents of remote and far-flung areas, who often have to travel long distances to government offices to obtain certificates required for various government schemes, benefits, reservations and administrative services.
The Administration said decentralising the certification process would make the services more accessible and reduce the need for residents to undertake lengthy journeys for routine documentation.
The Revenue Department, UT Ladakh, issued the notification under the proviso to Section 13 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, granting the designated Naib-Tehsildars the authority to issue the certificates.
The powers will apply to Naib-Tehsildars who hold independent charge of a Tehsil and exercise the powers of an Assistant Collector of the First Class. They will be able to issue the certificates within their respective local limits and jurisdictions.
LG Saxena said that Ladakh's difficult terrain and long distances can make access to government offices challenging and stressed the need to bring governance closer to residents.
He said empowering revenue officials at the local level would make essential citizen services more accessible and reduce the need for people to travel long distances for routine administrative requirements.
The Administration said the move is part of its broader effort to decentralise governance and strengthen delivery of public services, particularly for people living in geographically remote and difficult-to-access parts of Ladakh.
The new arrangement is expected to facilitate the timely issuance of certificates required by reserved-category applicants as well as Income Certificates needed for various welfare and administrative purposes.
