Srinagar, June 05 (KNB): A two-year-long halt in promotions within the Jal Shakti Department of Jammu and Kashmir has left employees frustrated and the public suffering due to a significant number of vacant posts.
According to official sources, more than 180 posts of Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) remain unfilled, prompting the department to assign look-after charges to Assistant Engineers (AEs).
As per an order issued by the Under Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, vide No. JSD-HRM08/08/2021-HRM-PHE (CC No. 21762) dated May 15, 2024, the department directed that AEs be placed as AEEs, subject to furnishing requisite documents, including APRs, Work & Conduct/Integrity Certificates, and Vigilance Clearance.
However, instead of filling the vacant posts through regular promotions, the department has opted for a temporary solution. An order issued by the Superintending Engineer of Circle Anantnag, vide No. CE/IFCK/EsW2515-16 dated May 28, 2025, assigns look-after charge of AEE offices to AEs on a temporary and need-based arrangement.
The order reads, “Pursuant to the directions conveyed vide Chief Engineer Kashmir, Jal Shakti (I&FC) Department Srinagar’s letter, the following officers are hereby assigned the look-after charge of the office of Assistant Executive Engineers as mentioned against each. The look-after charge is purely temporary & need-based arrangement till the vacant posts are filled by the Government or till further orders, whichever is earlier.
“Officials in the department expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in promotions, stating that it has resulted in injustice to employees and affected public services due to vacant posts. “For two years, we’ve been suffering as promotions have been halted.
Despite vacant posts, the public is also suffering. We demand a proper resolution to this matter,” an officer said on condition of anonymity.The Jal Shakti Department’s promotion freeze has been a longstanding issue, with employees feeling that their career growth and prospects have been severely impacted.
Moreover, prestigious projects like Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), AMRUT-2, and are being affected due to the absence of key personnel, i.e., AEEs, causing unnecessary suffering to the people.
When contacted, Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javeed Ahmad Rana, did not respond to calls, leaving the employees and public wondering about the government’s intentions to address the issue.
As the situation stands, the employees and public are eagerly awaiting a resolution to this issue, hoping that the government will take necessary steps to fill the vacant posts and restore normalcy in the department.(KNB)