Jammu, May 16 (KNS): The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Engineering Graduates Association (J&KCEGA) has hailed the government’s landmark cadre review of the Jal Shakti Department as a “progressive, balanced and institutionally sound reform” aimed at strengthening the department’s technical framework and improving public service delivery across the Union Territory.
The association conveyed its deep gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana, and Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra (IAS) for what it termed their visionary leadership and administrative wisdom in ensuring the restructuring was carried out without disturbing the existing top-level institutional hierarchy.
In a statement issued here, the J&KCEGA specifically welcomed the creation of the post of Secretary (Technical) in the department, saying it would significantly improve technical coordination and administrative efficiency. The establishment of a separate Design, Inspection & Quality Control (DIQC) wing was also appreciated as a major step towards quality assurance and better monitoring of public infrastructure works.
The association termed the creation of two new superintending engineer circles — Jammu-II and Bandipora — as a timely decision given the growing operational workload in these regions. It also welcomed six new divisions, including Hydraulic Divisions at Gandoh, Gurez and Tangdar, a PHE Division at Mendhar, and two Water Quality & Monitoring divisions for Jammu and Kashmir provinces, stating these would considerably improve field-level implementation in remote and geographically challenging areas.
On the restructuring of mechanical sub-divisions, the J&KCEGA noted that the creation of 43 posts through the rationalisation of 62 existing posts was an example of efficient cadre management without any additional financial burden on the government.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe encadrement of 10 posts and re-assignment of 137 other posts was also appreciated as a pragmatic approach to addressing administrative bottlenecks.
The association further noted with satisfaction the revision in Deputation Reserve and Leave Reserve provisions at various levels, including chief engineers, superintending engineers, executive engineers and assistant executive engineers, saying such measures would provide greater administrative flexibility and facilitate smoother departmental functioning.
While expressing satisfaction over the continued regularisation process in the Jal Shakti Department, the association observed that a similar process was missing in the R&B Department and expressed hope that the government would address the issue on similar lines.
“This historic cadre review demonstrates the government’s deep understanding of the genuine structural and operational requirements of the Jal Shakti department. The reforms have been carried out in an extremely balanced and practical manner without disturbing the existing administrative hierarchy at the top level,” J&KCEGA President Er. Farooq Ahmad said.
Chief Patron Er. Nasir Amin remarked that the creation of new circles, divisions and technical institutions would strengthen the department at both administrative and field levels. “These reforms will improve efficiency, accountability and technical supervision while also boosting the morale of engineers working across Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.
The association expressed hope that the government would continue to take similar progressive measures for institutional strengthening and professional empowerment in the larger interest of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. (KNS)