SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has closed the long-pending Regular Departmental Action (RDA) against six engineers and technical officials of the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department after an independent de novo inquiry found no evidence of misconduct, procedural irregularity or financial loss to the public exchequer.
The decision was issued through Government Order No. 257-PW(R and B) of 2026, formally accepting the findings of the inquiry and dropping all charges against the officials.
The case originated from RDA case reference JSC-19/2009 and involved Imtiyaz Ahmad Kirmani, then Executive Engineer, Tasadaq Hussain Dar, Assistant Executive Engineer, Basharat Nazir Beigh, Junior Engineer, Mohd Amin Bhat, Technical Officer, and Draftsmen Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar and Ashiq Hussain Thokar.
According to the order, although the departmental proceedings had initially been closed in 2018, the matter was reopened following observations by the General Administration Department (GAD) regarding alleged discrepancies in the procurement rates of materials, necessitating a fresh de novo inquiry.
To ensure an independent examination, the government appointed Er. Arshid Hussain Reshi, Superintending Engineer (Electric), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), as Inquiry Officer, while Er. Tariq Bashir was appointed as the Presenting Officer.
The inquiry report, submitted in April 2026, concluded that the tendering and procurement process had been carried out in accordance with the departmental norms applicable at the time. It further held that the rates approved for the procurement of 11 KV grade XLPE insulated aluminium cables were reasonable, justified and in line with prevailing market conditions.
The inquiry also found that Junior Engineer Basharat Nazir Beigh had not joined the concerned sub-division when the procurement decisions were taken, ruling out his involvement in the matter.
The Inquiry Officer concluded that there was no evidence of mala fide intent, procedural impropriety or financial loss to the government and recommended that all charges be dropped ab initio.
The recommendation has been accepted by the competent authority in the Public Works Department.
The order, issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and signed by Anil Kumar Singh, IAS, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, formally closes the departmental proceedings and exonerates all six officials.
