SRINAGAR, Oct 30: Javed Ahmad Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti Department, stated today that a policy for the regularization of daily-wagers is under serious consideration. This announcement comes in response to a question raised by Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi during the Legislative Assembly session.
Rana detailed that his department experiences a significant shortage of staff due to the superannuation of several field employees. He explained that currently, the PHE Sub-Division in Uri has only 125 Assistant Linemen, while eight lineman posts remain vacant.
Despite these challenges, Minister Rana assured the Assembly that the department will maintain consistent water supply and functionality of Water Supply Schemes (WSS). He emphasized that internal deployment of existing manpower, including daily-wagers and regular employees, will serve as interim arrangements until the department fulfills the vacant positions through formal recruitment, promotion, or redeployment in line with established departmental regulations.
Rana acknowledged the essential role that daily-wagers play in ongoing operations, particularly as the Jal Shakti Department navigates staffing challenges. He noted that while the staffing situation poses challenges, the goal remains clear: ensure uninterrupted water service to the populace.
Providing insight into the department’s strategy, Rana remarked, “We understand the importance of stable employment for daily-wagers. Regularizing their status not only improves morale but also enhances our service delivery to the public.” His commitment to reviewing the policy highlights a substantive step towards addressing the welfare of these workers amidst operational hurdles.
The utter necessity for regularization arises from the need to create a more stable workforce that can effectively manage the increasing demands for water supply amid changing environmental conditions. As urban areas grow and rural areas face challenges from climate change, consistent staffing becomes crucial for meeting public needs.
In conclusion, the Minister’s announcement reflects a commitment to long-term solutions in workforce management within the Jal Shakti Department, while simultaneously addressing the immediate staffing shortfalls that impact service delivery. The discussion surrounding the policy’s formulation indicates that further developments may be forthcoming as the government seeks to balance resource allocation with public needs.
