Srinagar, Oct 30: The Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana, informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that the government is actively examining a comprehensive policy for the regularization of daily-wage workers serving across various divisions of the department. Responding to a question raised by Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi, the minister acknowledged the significant contribution of daily wagers in maintaining essential water supply operations, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, and assured that their concerns are being given serious consideration at the policy level.
Rana said that the Jal Shakti Department has been facing a shortage of field staff due to the superannuation and retirement of several employees, which has placed additional responsibilities on the existing workforce. “Many of our water supply schemes and operational units are functioning with reduced manpower, creating an operational gap that has been temporarily managed through internal adjustments,” he explained.
Providing specific details, the minister said that at present, there are 125 Assistant Linemen working in the department, while only eight posts of Linemen are lying vacant in the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Sub-Division Uri. “Despite these shortages, we have ensured that water supply to the public remains uninterrupted. Interim measures have been implemented through internal deployment of available staff, including regular employees and daily wagers, until the vacant positions are filled through proper recruitment and promotion as per departmental rules,” Rana added.
The minister further said that the government acknowledges the vital role played by daily wagers in ensuring the smooth functioning of water supply schemes, particularly in areas where permanent staff strength is inadequate. “These employees have been at the forefront of service delivery, maintaining water supply lines, addressing technical faults, and ensuring uninterrupted services even during adverse weather conditions,” he remarked.
Rana assured that the department is in constant consultation with the Finance and General Administration Departments to finalize a practical and sustainable regularization framework that balances fiscal prudence with the welfare of long-serving daily wagers. He noted that the proposed policy aims to provide security and stability to these employees, many of whom have served for years without formal employment benefits.
While reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness, the minister said that the department is simultaneously working on a manpower rationalization plan to ensure that every sub-division and water supply scheme is adequately staffed, he said.