Baramulla, Jul 16 (KNO): Jal Shakti Division Baramulla on Wednesday realigned over 600 field employees across various sub-divisions, calling it a long-overdue move, aimed at improving water supply services and addressing serious manpower imbalance in the region.
The top official, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), cited multiple reasons behind the large-scale reshuffle of field staff, including persistent water supply issues, overstaying of employees in the same postings—some for over a decade and the need to rationalize manpower following the retirement of over 200 staff in recent years.
Division head says that the transfer is not only about addressing public complaints but also about rationalizing field strength after decades of static staffing patterns.
“More than 200 of our employees have retired over the past three years and over 100 are due for retirement soon. We had to act now to avoid a breakdown in operations,” the official added.
Official in a transfer order further explained that, both outgoing and incoming employees will be held jointly accountable during the transition of any water supply scheme. “If there’s any disruption, disciplinary action including suspension will follow.”
It also clarified that transferred employees are expected to join their new locations without delay. “Anyone not reporting to their assigned duty stations will lose House Rent Allowance benefits,” it reads.
The department has instructed Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Junior Engineers (JEs) to oversee implementation of the order and allocate responsibilities to newly posted staff within 24 hours. “They must also share contact details and assignment lists promptly so there’s no gap in service,” says division head.
The official also called for immediate reporting of any irregularities, saying the aim is clean, transparent and efficient service delivery.
The move, described as one of the most comprehensive internal reshuffles in recent years, is also linked to the expansion of infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)—(KNO)