In Pakistan a Lambardar (or village headman) plays an important role in local governance and administration. The rights and responsibilities of a Lambardar can vary by province and specific local regulations, but generally include the following:
Duties of Headman
According to S.22 of West Pakistan Land Revenue Rules, 1968
In addition to the duties imposed upon headman under any other law, a headman shall
1. Collection of land revenue:
Collect, by due date, the land revenue and all sums recoverable as land revenue, from the estate, or sub-division of an estate in which he holds office, and pay the same personally or by revenue money order or by remittance of currency notes through the post or at place where treasury business is conducted by the State Bank of Pakistan, or any other Bank, by Cheque, on a local bank, at the place and time appointed in that behalf, to the Tehsildar concerned;
2. Collection of rents and other income:
Collection the rents and other income of the common land, and account for these to the persons entitled thereto;
3. Issue receipts in Form I:
Issue receipts in Form I to the land-owners and others, in token of having recovered the government dues from them.
Explanation:
The Tehsildar should arrange to supply printed receipt books( Form I) to the headman, fee of cost, according to their requirements.
4. Report to the Tehsildar:
Report, to the Tehsildar, all encroachments on roads ( including village roads) or on Government waste lands and injuries to, or appropriation of Government property situated within the estate;
5. Report any injury:
Report any injury to public buildings in the estate;
6.Implimentation:
Implement, to the best of his ability, any orders that he may receive from the Collector, requiring him to furnish information or to assist in providing, on payment, supplies or means of transport, for troops or for officers of Government on duty;
7. Assist to Collector:
Assist, in such manner as the Collector may from time to time direct, at all crop inspections, recording of mutations, surveys, preparation of records of rights or other revenue business within the estate.
Rights of Lambardar:
1. Representation:
Lambardars serve as representatives of the village community conveying their concerns to government authorities.
2. Revenue Collection:
They are often responsible for collecting land revenue and taxes on behalf of the government.
3. Dispute Resolution:
Lambardars may have the authority to mediate and resolve local disputes within the community.
4. Administrative Powers:
They may have certain administrative powers, including maintaining law and order in the village and coordinating local government activities.
5. Government Benefits:
Lambardars may be entitled to certain benefits or allowances from the government for their services.
6. Access to Resources:
They may have preferential to government resources and programs aimed at rural development.
Responsibilities:
1. Community Leadership:
Act as a leader and guide for the community, ensuring cooperation among villagers.
2. Implementation of policies:
Help in implementing government policies and programs at the village level.
3. Communication:
Keep the community informed about government initiatives and developments.
4. Maintenance of Records:
Maintain records of land ownership and transactions in the village/
5. Facilitating Development:
Work towards the development of infrastructure and social services in the village