Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 27: Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Technocrats Association (JKATA) has strongly urged the Government not to enforce re-employment or extension-in-service policies without stakeholder consensus, citing their adverse impact on career progression.
The issues came up for discussion in the monthly meeting of the Association held under the leadership of Dr Surinder Radotra. The meeting deliberated on unresolved issues plaguing agriculture professionals across the Union Territory. Key concerns highlighted include the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), inclusion of temporary Rehbar-e-Ziraat service for benefit eligibility, and retrospective promotions for in-charge Junior Agriculture Extension Officers (JAEOs) pending since April 2017.
Dr Radotra reminded that the National Conference, under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had pledged OPS restoration in its election manifesto. He said a JKATA delegation recently met Omar Abdullah, who assured swift action. However, despite forming the Government, the Cabinet is yet to take a final decision, leaving around 4.5 lakh employees, including agriculture technocrats, in limbo.
The Association also flagged the delay in publishing the final seniority lists for Agriculture Extension Assistants (AEAs) and called for immediate finalization. Radotra said while tentative lists have been issued twice, promotions and cadre regularizations for in-charge JAEOs remain stalled since 2017. He said JKATA has submitted representations to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Principal Secretary Agriculture Shailendra Kumar (IAS), seeking urgent resolution.
Another key demand is the formulation of a transparent, merit-based transfer policy for AEAs and JAEOs by the Civil Secretariat. JKATA believes such a policy would promote administrative fairness and efficiency.
The Association strongly opposed the continuation of re-employment and post-retirement service extensions, especially at the Director level. Dr Radotra emphasized that these practices block promotional opportunities for over 2,642 deserving in-service technocrats and undermine institutional integrity. He urged the UT administration to abolish such extensions and implement a time-bound promotion system.
JKATA concluded the meeting with a collective appeal for decisive Government action to address all pending matters and ensure justice, transparency and career growth for agriculture professionals in J&K.
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