SRINAGAR, Oct 30: The Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana, revealed today that a policy regarding the regularization of daily-wagers is currently under consideration. This announcement came during a session in the Legislative Assembly where he responded to a question posed by Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi.
Rana highlighted the pressing issue of staff shortages in his department, primarily due to the superannuation of several field employees. He mentioned that the PHE Sub-Division Uri currently hosts approximately 125 Assistant Linemen, with only eight lineman posts remaining vacant.
To tackle the scarcity of staff effectively, the Minister assured that the department has implemented interim measures for maintaining water supply. He emphasized that these measures include the internal deployment of existing manpower – both regular employees and daily-wagers – to manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of Water Supply Schemes (WSS).
Until the remaining vacancies are filled through formal recruitment, promotions, or redeployment, the Jal Shakti Department aims to guarantee that water supply remains uninterrupted for the communities it serves.
Rana’s remarks have sparked significant interest among stakeholders and local residents who rely on consistent water supply. The potential regularization of daily-wagers could not only improve job security for many but also enhance the efficiency of service delivery in the state’s water supply management.
As the department grapples with staffing challenges, the focus on regularization serves as a crucial step towards sustainable employment practices within the public sector. Stakeholders in the region eagerly await further developments regarding this policy, hoping it will alleviate the long-standing issues associated with contractual workforce gaps.