Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 11: PDD engineers decry the unjustified approach of the Administrative Department, PDD which has delayed the promotion/placement of Assistant Engineers as I/C AEEs against the slots vacant over years together now.
In a press statement here they pointed out that around 110 slots at AEE level are unoccupied as on date, out of which around 76 posts are to be filled by Diploma Engineers so as to maintain their cadre strength at the prescribed level as per Engineering Gazetted Recruitment Rules of 1978. Annoyed engineers reported that on account of the apathetic approach of the department, a good number of the Assistant Engineers retired without availing the due promotional benefit despite the fact that Vigilance clearance was sought for them thrice.
The promotion/placement against available AEE slots has been unduly linked with maintaining the cadre strength at AE level where apparent distortion crept in on account of career progression scheme of 2011 whereby 771 JE Ist posts manned by Diploma Engineers (227 in PDD, 272 in I&FC/PHE and 272 in R&B) were converted to AE posts by virtue of Cabinet decision No. 165/21/2011 dated: 26-09-2011 and Govt Order No. 370 PW (Hyd) of 2011 dated: 30-09-2011. The said cabinet decision and subsequent Govt Order were arrived at after clear-cut recommendations of the then Establishment-cum-selection Committee to remove the stagnation of Diploma Engineers. The distortion at AE level in PDD was obvious as by virtue of G.O. No 56-PDD of 2012 dated: 28-02-2012 and G.O. No 201 PDD of 2013 dated: 21-08-2013, 159 Junior Engineers comprising of 158 diploma Engineers were elevated as I/C AEs. The said distortion is still in place and fading away gradually on account of retirement/promotion/expiry of the officials manning these specially created AE posts and these posts are being progressively added to the cadre of AEs which infact has been given due cognizance by the Administrative Department.
After a gap of seven years now, the Administrative Department, is taking a stand totally in contravention to the Cabinet decision of 2011 by not only unduly ceasing the 20% meagre share for promotion of Diploma Engineers at AE level but also aiming at retrieving the one-time benefit released in favour of Diploma Engineers in 2011. PDD, after citing an arbitrary terms of reference is unjustly dragging the issue for deliberations at higher forum which if not taken note of is going to open new dimensions of stagnation for the cadre. Numerous representations furnished with a view to present the actual picture before the authorities are gathering dust in the HRM branch of the department. The engineers have sought intervention of Governor and the Chief Secretary in resolving this issue.
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