SRINAGAR, Oct 30: Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana revealed today that the government is considering a policy aimed at the regularization of daily-wagers within the department. This statement came while responding to queries raised by Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi during the Legislative Assembly session.
The minister highlighted significant staffing shortages in the department, attributing these gaps to the superannuation of several field employees. “Our department faces a shortage of staff,” Rana remarked, underscoring the need for urgent measures to address this issue.
Presently, there are only 125 Assistant Linemen available, while a mere eight lineman positions lie vacant in the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Sub-Division Uri. These figures paint a clear picture of the workforce challenges faced by the Jal Shakti Department.
To ensure a consistent water supply and maintain Water Supply Schemes (WSS), Minister Rana assured that interim arrangements are in place. “We have ensured that available manpower, including regular employees and daily-wagers, is deployed internally to manage operations effectively,” he stated. This arrangement will continue until the department fills the vacant posts through formal recruitment, promotions, or redeployment, adhering to departmental norms.
Minister Rana’s announcement brings hope to daily-wagers, many of whom have worked on a temporary basis for years. Regularization would provide them with job security and benefits that come with permanent employment. In talking about the importance of such measures, Rana said, “Our aim is to sustain reliable water distribution and protect the rights of these workers who contribute significantly to our service.”
The demand for regularization stems from years of advocacy from various labor unions and employees who seek stability in employment. Daily-wagers often face uncertainty regarding their roles, leading to calls for government action to ensure their rights and livelihoods.
As discussions continue in the assembly, the commitment from the Jal Shakti Minister sets a precedent for improvements in labor policies in the public sector. The government’s response reflects an understanding of the challenges related to labor stability, especially in essential services like water supply.
Observers note that this potential policy could pave the way for broader reforms not just within the Jal Shakti sector but across various departments recognizing the value of their temporary workforce.
