Assam government to increase monthly remuneration of Gaon Burahs

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has decided to increase the monthly remuneration of the Gaon Burahs (GBs/ village headmen) from Rs 6,500 to Rs 9,000.

The Finance Department has also given its nod to the proposal prepared by the Revenue & Disaster Management Department in this regard. This proposal will be placed before the Cabinet meeting on October 7.

The GB system was introduced in Assam by the British government in 1890. However, the first remuneration of Rs 250 per annum for the GBs was announced only in 1969 – after India's Independence. The remuneration was hiked on several occasions subsequently. The last hike from Rs 4,200 to Rs 6,500 took place in January 2018.

There are 7,532 GBs across 26 districts. Mentionably, the association of GBs has been moving the government to increase their monthly remuneration a number of times.

The present hike has been undertaken as the responsibilities of the Gaon Burahs are also gradually increasing in the present times, informed Department sources.

With reference to many cases at the ground level, the district administration and the Police department often seek logistics support from the GBs.

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