50 AEEs elevated as Executive Engineers in Jal Shakti Department

Convener News Desk

Srinagar, July 17: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the executive cadre of the Jal Shakti Department, 50 Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) have been elevated and adjusted as Executive Engineers (XENs) on stop-gap arrangement, by the Department under the charge of Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana.

The newly elevated officers have been posted against key executive posts in various engineering wings and corporations of the Department, filling critical divisional vacancies that had remained unaddressed for a considerable period.

The move is expected to accelerate infrastructure development by strengthening executive-level supervision across the Department’s field formations. The strategic postings will ensure robust field supervision and direct monitoring, besides enabling smooth and timely execution of vital flagship schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT 2.0, and crucial Irrigation and Flood Control works.

Reacting to the development, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said the elevation of the 50 AEEs was a reflection of the Omar Abdullah Government’s consistent focus on employee welfare and timely career progression for engineers working at the grassroots level.

“Our Government believes that the strength of any department lies in the morale and motivation of its workforce. The Omar Abdullah-led Government remains committed to ensuring timely career progression for deserving officers. The present move is aimed at addressing long-pending aspirations of officers and further strengthening the functioning of the department,” the Minister said

He further stated that the placement of experienced AEEs as Executive Engineers would directly benefit the public by improving accountability and expediting execution of pending works.

“These officers bring years of field experience to their new roles. Their elevation will translate into faster, more accountable execution of our flagship schemes, particularly Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT 2.0, which are central to our vision of ensuring safe drinking water and better sanitation infrastructure for every household,” Rana said.
The Minister directed the newly elevated Executive Engineers to enforce strict accountability in the execution of works and ensure early operationalisation of Water Supply Schemes (WSS), coupled with time-bound grievance redressal and service delivery to the public.

“There should be zero tolerance for delays. I expect the newly posted XENs to lead from the front, ensure quality of works, maintain transparency in execution, and complete projects within stipulated timelines,” he added.
Emphasising the need for streamlining service matters of engineers across the Department, the Minister said the Government was actively working to remove procedural bottlenecks that have historically affected promotions and postings in the engineering cadre.

“We are committed to a merit-based, transparent system of promotions. Our endeavour is to ensure that every deserving officer gets their due, and that service matters are resolved without unnecessary delay,” Rana said.
Officials said the stop-gap arrangement is expected to significantly ease the executive-level vacuum in several divisions, thereby strengthening the Department’s operational capacity.