MUZAFFARGARH: The revenue department with district governments is reviving the institution of ‘Numberdar’ system in rural areas. Deputy Commissioner Amjad Shoaib Tareen said the Board of Revenue was trying to make the Revenue Department more active and the revival of the Numbderdar system was the part of the plan.

He said this at the convention of Numberdars organized by the Revenue Department here on Saturday. He said that the Numberdars traditionally have been playing an important role in the revenue department.

“They are respected persons in the area and they are supporter of the government,” he said. “The testimony of a Numberdar is considered credible. We also want to give the Numberdar the respect that law and society give him.” He advised them to restore public’s confidence in the Numberdar masses.

“Don’t misrepresent the masses. Giving false testimony angers Allah Almighty and is also a crime,” he said, adding that Numberdars involved in wrongdoing will be removed. He said that the vacancies of Numberdars in the district would be filled on merit and dignitaries can apply for this.

The deputy commissioner said that regular cards would be issued to the numberdars by the Revenue Department, which would be recognized by all government departments, including the police. “In all offices, including my office, Numberdars will be heard first,” he added.

Earlier, Alipur Assistant Commissioner Mubeen Ahmed said that the Numberdar system was being restored after 20 years and the officers of the Revenue Department would work with them to make the system more efficient than before. They will guide government teams in the protection of government property, recovery of government dues and other taxes, reporting of sudden disasters, government survey and other matters.

Numbardars will be a bridge between the government and the people. On this occasion, Tehsildar Iqbal Abbasi said that during the last financial year, the Muzaffargarh district achieved exemplary recovery of government dues across Punjab which was also appreciated by the Board of Revenue.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2021