JKCEGA thanks Omar govt for clearing Jal Shakti Dept promotions after long delay

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Engineers’ Graduate Association (JKCEGA) has expressed deep appreciation to the J&K Government leadership for addressing long-standing promotion bottlenecks in the Jal Shakti Department.

The association has particularly thanked the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Jal Shakti Javid Ahmad Rana, and Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Commissioner) Shaleen Kabra for their collective efforts in clearing a crucial file that had remained pending for years, affecting the progression of engineering professionals within the department.

According to JKCEGA, the recent cabinet approval for relaxation in qualifying service for key posts has enabled the long-awaited promotion of 25 Executive Engineers to Incharge Superintending Engineers. The decision also clears the way for filling multiple vacant Chief Engineer posts that had remained unoccupied due to procedural constraints related to eligibility norms.

“This is a landmark step that addresses not just a cadre management issue but also a broader governance concern,” said a JKCEGA spokesperson. “With the easing of qualification norms and the swift action by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti, the department now has the opportunity to fast-track ongoing water supply and irrigation projects across the Union Territory.”

The association emphasized that the move is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency within the Jal Shakti Department, which plays a vital role in public utility services such as drinking water access and irrigation infrastructure—sectors crucial to both rural and urban populations.

Civil engineers working within the department have welcomed the decision with optimism. “This promotion order has come as a major morale booster for engineers who have been stuck in the same position for years,” said one engineer currently serving in South Kashmir. “It brings renewed faith in a responsive administration.”

Touring engineers and project heads have also pointed out that this development will help streamline planning and on-ground execution. “Leadership continuity is essential in departments like Jal Shakti where projects stretch across years,” said a senior project engineer. “The lack of promotions had been hampering decision-making at crucial levels.”

On its part, JKCEGA has committed to continued support of government reforms and infrastructural development. “We remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the government’s development agenda and will continue to serve the people of J&K with dedication and professionalism,” the association said in a statement.

In addition to expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister and Minister Javid Ahmad Rana, JKCEGA also credited Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, for ensuring the smooth processing of the cabinet note and follow-up administrative orders. “His role in coordinating procedural matters has been instrumental in making this long-awaited decision a reality,” the statement added.