Several Executive Engineer posts lie vacant in J&K. Engineers say Power Department’s operational efficiency compromised

Ziraat Times Team Report 

Srinagar: Several key administrative divisions in Kashmir’s power departments are functioning without Executive Engineers, leading to operational inefficiencies and demoralized staff, according to official documents and engineers on the ground.

A review of the List of Divisions Without Executive Engineers (Additional Charge), dated June 1, 2025, made available to Ziraat Times, reveals at least 34 vacant posts across the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, with critical divisions like TLMD-4th JKPTCL K, STD Sopore (KPDCL), and Project Divisions in Jammu lacking permanent leadership.

The document, accessed by this publication, highlights glaring gaps in the power infrastructure’s administrative framework. For instance, TLMD-2nd Pampore (JKPTCL K) and TLMD-3 Udhampur (JKPTCL J) are without full-time engineers, relying on additional charges. Similarly, STD Sopore (KPDCL) and ECWD Jammu (JPDCL) have no assigned Executive Engineers, delaying routine maintenance and grievance redressal.

Project Divisions in Baramulla, Ganderbal, and Doda are either vacant or managed by overburdened senior engineers holding dual roles.

Engineers allege that the vacancies have cascading effects: delayed approvals, piled-up files, and uneven workload distribution. “When one engineer handles multiple divisions, quality suffers. Projects get delayed, and public complaints rise,” said a senior engineer currently holding additional charge.

Another engineer, speaking anonymously, cited burnout: “I am managing two divisions alone. There’s no motivation when promotions and postings are stalled indefinitely.”

Another overseeing both ED Bijbehara and STD Bijbehara (KPDCL), echoed the sentiment: “Accountability vanishes when roles are blurred. How can one person ensure timely work in two critical divisions?”

Despite repeated requests, the Chief Engineer’s office was not available to comment on timelines for filling the vacancies. However, insiders attribute the delays to bureaucratic hurdles and inter-departmental transfers.

Engineers demand urgent recruitment drives and streamlined promotions. “The department must prioritize filling these posts to restore efficiency,” urged Er Shabir Ahmad.