SRINAGAR, Oct 30: The Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana, today revealed plans for a policy aimed at regularizing daily-wagers in the department. This announcement came during a discussion in the Legislative Assembly, where Rana responded to questions raised by Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi.
Rana highlighted significant staffing challenges faced by the Jal Shakti Department, particularly due to the retirement of numerous field employees. He emphasized the ongoing need for staff to maintain vital water supply services across the region.
The Minister provided concrete figures to illustrate the current workforce situation. Presently, the PHE Sub-Division Uri has only 125 Assistant Linemen, while there are just eight vacant lineman positions. This shortage presses the department to ensure uninterrupted water supply while managing existing resources effectively.
To tackle this immediate staffing crisis, the Minister stressed the importance of interim measures. He stated that the Jal Shakti Department has actively deployed its available manpower, which includes a mix of regular employees and daily wage workers, to fulfill essential roles. This approach will help maintain operations and the smooth functioning of the Water Supply Schemes until the vacancies are filled through official recruitment processes, promotions, or departmental redeployments.
“We understand the critical need for a robust workforce to ensure that citizens receive adequate water supply,” Rana affirmed, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing these staffing concerns in a timely manner.
