The Goba of Ladakh: Current Relevance of a Traditional Governance System

This report documents the traditional governance systems in Ladakh and explains its relevance in the present social, political, administrative landscape. The report brings out the interface between the traditional system and modern institutions of governance and makes broader policy recommendations to strengthen local governance in Ladakh.The report has been compiled by Shrishtee Bajpai, Ashish Kothari along with Tsewang Namgail, Karma Sonam, and Kunzang Deachen. The study is a collaborative effort between Kalpavriksh, Snow Leopard Conservancy - India Trust, Nature Conservation Foundation, Local Futures and Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation.The report primarily studies the goba (lambardar/nambardar) system in Ladakh. Goba, the report states, is a village headman who acts as a representative of the village with "social and cultural-ritual responsibilities”. The system has been recognised under the Jammu and Kashmir’ Lambardari Act, in 1972. The goba comes under the revenue department. The goba and patwari (revenue officer) work together on curating information on land, population, livestock and more.The research for the report began in the year 2021. The study was carried out in four parts of Leh district: the Sham region, the Gya-Rumtse area, Leh town and surrounds, and Changthang...