SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (R&B) Department has ordered the placement of 12 engineers serving as In-charge Assistant Engineers (Civil) under the Prime Minister’s Package into the higher role of In-charge Assistant Executive Engineers (Civil). The directive, issued on Wednesday, aims to streamline administrative functions within the department.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Government Order No. 187-PW (R&B) of 2026, originating from the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and Jammu, specifically covers engineers holding Degree-based Assistant Engineer positions. These engineers will now occupy the in-charge positions within their existing pay and grade scales. The order references previous directives, including Government Order No. 34-JK (DMRRR) of 2022, as the basis for this administrative move.
The twelve engineers identified for placement are Sandeep Safaya, Gopal Krishan Dass, Neetu Koul, Mayur Bhat, Nischal Bhan, Amit Raina (I), Amit Raina (II), Sami Pandita, Vickey Kaw, Ajaz Ahmad, Sunaina Raina, and Rockey Pandeep. Their elevation to in-charge Assistant Executive Engineer positions is intended to enhance operational capacity and oversight within the department.
The government has explicitly stated that this arrangement is purely interim and temporary in nature. It does not confer any rights for substantive promotion, regularization, or confirmation of their positions. The final consideration for regular appointments will be determined strictly in accordance with established Recruitment Rules, involving the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JK PSC).
Furthermore, the order stipulates that these placements are subject to the outcome of any ongoing court proceedings. The arrangement may be reversed without prior notice if adverse reports emerge or if a superior claim from other eligible engineers is substantiated at a later stage. This clause ensures adherence to legal frameworks and equitable consideration for all departmental personnel.
In a related administrative measure, the government has sanctioned the creation of 12 supernumerary posts of Assistant Executive Engineer. These posts fall under Pay Level-10A, with a salary scale ranging from Rs 56,600 to Rs 1,79,800. The creation of these temporary posts is specifically to facilitate the current placement arrangement, and they will be abolished once regular appointments are made through the DPC or JK PSC process.
The engineers placed in the higher in-charge roles have been directed to continue at their current places of posting. They will remain in these locations until further instructions are issued by the department. This measure is expected to ensure continuity of work and minimize disruption during the transition period.
The Public Works (R&B) Department continues to focus on strengthening its engineering cadre and improving the efficiency of project execution across the Union Territory. The placement of these engineers is a step towards ensuring that departmental operations are managed by experienced personnel in the interim, pending formal recruitment processes.
The Chenab Times News Desk