The Punjab Board of Revenue has decided to revive the traditional watchmen system in rural areas of the province to enhance security and ensure better protection of residents.

In this regard, the Board has issued directives to all Deputy Commissioners across Punjab for the reactivation of the system. A circular has also been issued outlining measures to ensure regular payment of salaries to village watchmen through a structured mechanism.

According to details, under the revived system, a monthly contribution of Rs50 will be collected from each household and shop to ensure timely payment of salaries to watchmen. Authorities have also been directed to immediately fill vacant posts of village watchmen.

The move is being described as an effort to restore a centuries-old rural security mechanism in South Asia, where a watchman was traditionally responsible for night watch, reporting suspicious activity, protecting crops and livestock, and informing local revenue officials during emergencies. Over time, the system weakened and many posts remained vacant or salaries were delayed for months.

Key features of the new directives include a transparent collection and payment system, merit-based recruitment without political interference, and the formation of watchmen committees at union council level comprising numberdars, patwaris and local notables.