Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Sevadal, Chairman for JKUT, Faiz Ahmed Chouhan has alleged that senior officers of the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department hardly make site visits and monitor field operations while daily wagers and other low paid workers have been pushed to the sub-inhumane working conditions during these hot summer days.
Talking to media-persons here today, INTUC leader said that he under took extensive field inspections across several Sub Divisions in the region and noticed disturbing work culture and official apathy. It has been observed that an elite class officials from AEE to above flourish in luxury and remain fortified in their air- conditioned offices during the peak heat summer days in Jammu and refuse mandatory site visits or monitor field operations. Consequently, the ground-level workers are forced to operate in stations that lack electric fans and proper seating facility. Even many stations lack bathrooms/toilets etc.
Raising serious question regarding the Maintenance Amount (MR) funds, INTUC leader alleged that the historical practice of utilizing 25% of these funds for the upkeep of pump rooms, boundary walls and workers amenities has totally been abandoned by the officers at the helm of affairs. He strongly demanded an immediate transparent Audit of these `disappeared’ funds worth crores. It is unfortunate that the critical PHE infrastructure continues to rot due to official apathy, he added.
Chairman, claimed to have exposed the `corrupt mechanism’ where the release of pending wages is dictated by the personal approach rather than merit or need. Under the prevailing system those having political influence receive their dues while the poor are left to strive. Chouhan called for a total over haul of the current allotment system. He noted that Government accommodation has been occupied by the retirees and the influential individuals, leaving needy and the serving workers/ employees without any shelter. Even many of them despite this facility, are drawing House Rent Allowance. He demanded that the illegal occupants be evicted immediately.
INTUC leader said in order to save public money and ensure safety, the Govt must go for strategic relocation of water tanker units. He pointed out that over 80 % of the tankers from the MAM Stadium section serve the jurisdiction of Medical Sub Division Muthi and shifting this section would save much fuel and ensure timely delivery. He also advised shifting of Narwal Tanker Section to Boria, Gorkha Nagar to prevent accidents and stop the unauthorized use of facility as a public bathroom.
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