Numberdar suspended for burning stubble

Taking a serious view of a numberdar in a village burning paddy stubble in his field, Moga Deputy Commissioner has ordered the suspension of this 'erring' headman in the village.

"He is supposed to deter others from farm fires but he himself is indulging in this violation of law. It is a serious crime," said Vishesh Sarangal, DC Moga.

Numberdar Sukhdev Singh of Kanniyan Khas village, Dharamkot, has violated the orders of the Supreme Court and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), said the DC.

A numberdar, also known as a lambardar, was a village headman who collected taxes during the British Raj. They were appointed under the Mahalwari system.

Presently, a numberdar is appointed by the Deputy Commissioner under The Punjab Land Revenue Act.

DC Moga said that Sukhdev Singh, being a responsible person of the village, has violated government orders by burning paddy stubble in his field, polluting the environment. He was also directed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dharamkot, to not burn stubble and to make other villagers aware of it. The suspension order has been issued under rule 25 (i) (b) of the Punjab Land Revenue Rules.