SRINAGAR, Oct 30: In a significant development for daily-wagers, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana revealed that the government is considering a policy for their regularization.
This announcement came during a session of the Legislative Assembly, where Rana responded to a query from MLA Dr Sajjad Shafi.
Rana highlighted the current staffing crisis within the Jal Shakti Department, citing the superannuation of numerous field employees as a contributing factor to the manpower shortage.
As of now, there are only 125 Assistant Linemen available, with a mere eight lineman positions vacant in the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Sub-Division Uri.
Despite these challenges, Rana assured residents that the department has implemented interim measures to ensure uninterrupted water supply and the continued operation of Water Supply Schemes (WSS).
The Minister stated, “We have made temporary arrangements by redeploying available manpower, which includes regular employees and daily-wagers, to manage the supply services effectively until the vacancies are filled through formal recruitment and promotions.”
This initiative seeks to mitigate the effects of staffing shortages while addressing the ongoing needs of the community for reliable access to water.
Local officials and stakeholders welcome the proposed policy for regularization, as it could provide job security for daily-wagers who contribute significantly to the department’s operations.
The Jal Shakti Department faces pressure not only from staffing issues but also from the expectations of the public for constant improvements in water supply systems.
Rana’s commitment to regularizing daily-wagers is a step towards stabilizing the workforce and ensuring that vital public services continue without interruption.
With this announcement, the government reassures the public about its dedication to addressing employment concerns and enhancing service delivery in the state.
