SRINAGAR, Oct 30: Javed Ahmad Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti Department, announced today that the government is actively considering a policy for the regularization of daily-wagers. This development arises as the department faces a significant shortage of staff due to the superannuation of various field employees.
The Minister addressed concerns raised by Legislator Dr Sajjad Shafi during a session in the Legislative Assembly. He explained that the current staffing levels in the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Sub-Division Uri illustrate the issue. Currently, only 125 Assistant Linemen are available, while eight lineman posts remain vacant.
Despite these challenges, Rana assured the public that the department maintains its commitment to ensuring regular water supply. He detailed that interim measures remain in place, primarily through the internal deployment of available staff, including both regular employees and daily-wagers. These arrangements will remain effective until the vacant positions are filled via formal recruitment or redeployment according to departmental norms.
“We recognize the importance of our workforce and are working diligently to address the staffing issues while also being mindful of our duty to the citizens,” affirmed Rana. The delay in filling these positions has raised concerns among both employees and the public regarding the reliability of water supply systems.
Rana’s statements come at a crucial time, as ensuring consistent water supply is a top priority for the department. He emphasized that the operational efficiency of Water Supply Schemes (WSS) cannot suffer during this transition period. The Minister’s commitment to regularizing daily-wagers also aims to stabilize the workforce and enhance service delivery.
This proposed policy reflects a broader understanding of the critical role that daily-wagers play within government services. As discussions continue, stakeholders hope for a resolution that balances the needs of employees with the operational requirements of the Jal Shakti Department.
The call for regularization mirrors similar demands across various sectors in India, where daily-wagers often face job insecurity. Many advocate for formal recognition and stable employment conditions as a matter of essential rights.
In conclusion, as the Jal Shakti Department navigates these staffing challenges, it also seems poised to set a precedent for other departments grappling with a need for workforce stability.
