Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 12: High Court today directed the Government to strictly adhere to the rules while making stopgap arrangements for the post of Executive Engineers in departments.
Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey hearing the petition filed by Assistant Executive Engineers working in R&B, PHE and I&FC departments, directed the authorities to strictly adhere the schedule appended to SRO 297 of 2006 while making promotions or stopgap arrangements on the post of EEs (Civil) in these departments.
Petitioners submitted that the authorities are in the process of a according promotion to the post of EEs but are not adhering to the schedule appended to the SRO 297.
SRO provides that if at the time of consideration of promotion, eligible officers from the source of appointment are not available then the eligible officers from other source shall be taken on stop gap arrangement, who shall not have any preferential treatment for higher promotions based on such stop gap promotions.
Court after hearing petitioners’ counsel said the case of interim relief has been made out and directed that while making promotions in-charge arrangement on the post in question schedule of the SRO shall be strictly adhered to.
Court has also made it clear that in case the officers from one source of appointment are not available, then, in such eventuality, the eligible officers from the other source of appointment shall be taken on stop gap arrangement, as is provided in the rules.
Court also issued notice to Commissioner Secretaries of R&B, PHE and I&FC departments as also notice to Secretary GAD for filing of their objections into the case.
Court has been informed that that the respondents, instead of making the promotions/arrangement in tune with the mandate of the schedule appended to the SRO, are violating the same and adhering to pick and choose policy.
The petitioners submit that they are degree holders and are claiming to be holding the post of AEEs civil and seek consideration for promotion or adjustment against the available post of EEs civil in tune with the mandate of JK Engineering Services Recruitment Rules of 1978.
Jammu and Kashmir Civil Engineering Graduates Association says that Government is contemplating the promotions of AEEs as Executive Engineers flouting all rules and regulations and High Court orders.
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