A UP Lekhpal (Rajasva Lekhpal) is the field-level land-record revenue functionary of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Department, responsible for maintaining land records and supporting village administration. This article explains the day-to-day job profile, the official reporting hierarchy under the UP Revenue Code, how postings and transfers typically work, and the probation period – along with a fact-check of where different sources disagree.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining and updating village land records, including Khasra and Khatauni
- Conducting land surveys, field inspections and boundary verification
- Recording crop data and updating official maps of village land
- Reporting changes related to land mutation and partition
- Collecting land revenue and related dues at the village level
- Assisting during natural disasters and preparing related reports
- Supporting relief work during agricultural distress and participating in census operations
- Staying informed about villagers, including village heads and locally influential persons, as part of routine administrative duties
In essence, the Lekhpal acts as a village accountant within the revenue administration systema.
Reporting Hierarchy and Administrative Structure
A Lekhpal’s area of jurisdiction is called a “Halka.” As per the UP Revenue Code, 2006 and the Land Records Manual, the Lekhpal reports to the Revenue Inspector (Kanungo); when the Revenue Inspector visits a Lekhpal’s halka, the Lekhpal is required to report to them directly. The broader revenue hierarchy above the Lekhpal is:
| Level | Post |
|---|---|
| Village level | Lekhpal |
| Circle level | Revenue Inspector (Kanungo) |
| Tehsil level (subordinate) | Naib Tehsildar |
| Tehsil level (head) | Tehsildar |
Lekhpal and Kanungo are both non-gazetted posts. Tehsildar is the first gazetted post in this revenue hierarchy.
Posting Details
- Lekhpal postings are attached to Lekhpal Circles within tahsils. Because the jurisdiction is organised around revenue villages and land records, the job involves extensive field work across the assigned circle.
- A Lekhpal Circle, commonly called a Halka, may comprise one or more villages. The number of villages in a circle is not fixed statewide; the Collector arranges villages into Lekhpal Circles administratively.
- Transfers are generally handled within the district or division based on administrative requirements
- The role involves significant fieldwork, including land measurement, dispute-related site visits, and direct interaction with villagers
Land record work in Uttar Pradesh has been progressively digitised through the Bhulekh portal, which has shifted part of the Lekhpal’s routine work from manual register-keeping toward computer-based record entry and verification, alongside continued field duties.
Probation Period
Newly selected Lekhpals are generally required to complete a probation/training period, commonly reported as two years, during which they receive training related to land records and revenue procedures. On successful completion, they are confirmed as permanent employees of the Revenue Department. This detail is drawn from secondary sources rather than the recruitment notification itself, since probation conditions are governed by general service rules rather than being restated in every recruitment advertisement.
Regular Lekhpal vs. Chakbandi Lekhpal
UPSSSC recruitment for “Rajasva Lekhpal” (Revenue Lekhpal), covered in this article, should not be confused with “Chakbandi Lekhpal” (Consolidation Lekhpal), a separate post that deals specifically with land consolidation work under the Consolidation Department. The two posts involve related but distinct responsibilities and are recruited through separate processes.
Important Links
- UPSSSC Lekhpal Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Topics
- UP Lekhpal Salary 2026: Official Pay Level, Pay Scale & Allowances
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a UP Lekhpal do on a daily basis?
Lekhpal assists/prepares reports; competent revenue officers decide proceedings.
2. What is a Lekhpal’s “Halka”?
A Halka is the designated jurisdiction area assigned to a Lekhpal, generally covering a small group of villages. The exact number of villages varies by district and is not fixed.
3. Is UP Lekhpal a field job or a desk job?
It is primarily a field-oriented post involving land measurement, site visits and public dealing, alongside land record maintenance, which is increasingly computer-based through the Bhulekh portal.
4. Is there a probation period for UP Lekhpal?
Yes, newly selected candidates typically undergo a probation/training period, commonly reported as around two years, before being confirmed as permanent employees.
5. Is Chakbandi Lekhpal the same post as Rajasva Lekhpal?
No. Chakbandi Lekhpal (Consolidation Lekhpal) is a separate post under the Consolidation Department, distinct from the Rajasva Lekhpal (Revenue Lekhpal) post covered in this article.
6. Where can I find UP Lekhpal exam syllabus details?
Refer to the UPSSSC Lekhpal Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern guide for subject-wise topics.
