In a landmark, employee-centric reform aimed at improving administrative efficiency and addressing long-standing concerns in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has ordered the removal of the nautor land criterion for granting vigilance clearance in service-related matters.

Under the revised framework, vigilance clearance will now be based on Government of India guidelines, the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, and clearly defined objective parameters such as posting details, Annual Property Return (APR) statements, integrity certificates, antecedent reports from the Police Headquarters and Anti-Corruption Bureau, as well as apportionment or deputation orders.

However, details related to nautor land will continue to be disclosed in annual property returns as per rules, but will no longer hinder the processing of vigilance clearance.

The reform is expected to provide significant relief to employees who previously faced delays in Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs), foreign travel permissions, retirement clearances, and other service-related matters due to this constraint.

Lieutenant Governor Saxena said the decision was taken after a comprehensive review, keeping in view the larger goal of efficient governance and improved public service delivery. “This reform reflects the Administration’s commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and employee-friendly governance environment. It will ensure that genuine employees are not subjected to unnecessary procedural hurdles and will help expedite administrative processes, enabling timely promotions and boosting workforce morale,” he stated.

In line with this initiative, the Lieutenant Governor has also directed that all pending Departmental Promotion Committees be fast-tracked, facilitating career advancement for eligible employees and enabling fresh recruitment.

The issue had come to the notice of the Lieutenant Governor during his review of departmental functioning after assuming office on March 13. Several government employees had submitted representations highlighting difficulties in obtaining vigilance clearance, particularly due to issues related to nautor land, which adversely affected their career progression.

Taking cognisance of these concerns, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Chief Secretary to examine the matter and ensure a prompt and fair resolution. Acting on these directions, the Chief Secretary, in his capacity as Chief Vigilance Officer, conducted a comprehensive review and subsequently ordered the removal of the nautor land criterion.