Srinagar, Jan 07: A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA), led by its president Er. Pirzada Hidayatulla, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed in detail the HR issues faced by engineers of JKPDD.
The delegation briefed the Chief Minister about Non-Regularisation of Engineers, despite the SAC order of 2019, and its impact on the psyche of engineers, who, despite taking charge of higher positions, are paid salaries equivalent to the grade of JE or AE, according to statement issued.
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The delegation also highlighted the issue of Salary through Grant in Aid (GIA) mode rather than through paysys post-unbundling of PDD into corporations. The bad impacts of salary disbursement through GIA, such as delays in salary payments, difficulties in availing bank loans, etc., were brought to the notice of the chief minster. Other issues discussed included:
- Shortage of staff in JKPDD and the need for the creation of an Enforcement Wing.
- Denial of Assured Career Progression for PDD engineers, who were once considered the torchbearers of the department. Despite a cabinet decision for engineers and JKAS services, SRO for KAS services was issued, but engineers were subjected to stepmotherly treatment by the bureaucracy.
The delegation also emphasized the slow progress of CPSUs in implementing centrally sponsored schemes, particularly under the RDSS scheme, which has negatively impacted the reduction of losses.
The poor efficiency of HRM-JKPDD was also highlighted. This inefficiency has led to the stagnation of promotions, the creation of huge vacancies, non-regularization of engineers, and delays in routine matters. Additionally, the huge vacuum at the topmost levels in JKPDD (MD, ED, CE & SE levels) was discussed, with almost 80% of posts lying vacant.
The absence of recruitment for Junior Engineers since 2016, leading to a collapse of the pyramid at its base, lack of field monitoring, and the overburdening of existing JEs, was also discussed in detail.
The delegation further raised concerns about engineers being suspended for no fault of their own, while bureaucrats enjoy immunity against harsh actions.
Chief minster assured the delegation of timely action, starting with the regularization of engineers. He also assured his support for the greater good of the power sector of J&K, which was deeply appreciated by JKEEGA.
A vote of thanks was extended to the chief minister for approving the Charge Allowance for In-Charge promotions and the Revocation of suspensions of engineers, achieved in a short span after he took charge as CM of J&K.
JKEEGA remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution of the issues faced by engineers and has assured full support for implementing all reform-based schemes sponsored by the government.
The delegation included Er. Dalbir Singh, Er. Azhar Hamid Mattoo, Er. Shabir Khan, Er. Fayaz Ahmad Wani, Er. Aijaz Jan, Er. Farhan Manzoor Shah, and Er. Muddassir Nabi, the statement reads.
