SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Engineering Graduates Association (JKCEGA) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s recent cadre review of the Jal Shakti Department, describing it as a major structural reform aimed at strengthening the department and improving public service delivery across the Union Territory.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Association termed the cadre review, notified vide Government Order No. 91-JK(JSD) of 2026 dated May 15, as a balanced and progressive step addressing long-pending administrative and technical requirements within the department.
JKCEGA expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra for their leadership and intervention in ensuring that the restructuring exercise was carried out without disturbing the existing administrative hierarchy.
The Association particularly welcomed the creation of the post of Secretary Technical in the Jal Shakti Department, stating that it would enhance technical coordination, policy implementation and administrative efficiency. It also appreciated the establishment of a separate Design, Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) wing to strengthen quality assurance and technical monitoring of infrastructure projects.
The creation of the offices of Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Circle Jammu-II and Hydraulic Circle Bandipora was described as a timely measure in view of the increasing operational workload in the respective regions.
The Association further praised the establishment of six new divisions, including Hydraulic Division Gandoh, Hydraulic Division Gurez, Hydraulic Division Tangdar, PHE Division Mendhar, and two Water Quality and Monitoring Divisions for Jammu and Kashmir provinces. According to the Association, these measures would improve implementation and monitoring, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas.
JKCEGA also welcomed the restructuring of Mechanical Sub-Divisions and the creation of 43 posts through rationalisation of 62 existing posts, terming it an example of efficient cadre management without imposing additional financial burden on the government.
The Association noted that the encadrement of 10 posts and reassignment of 137 posts within the departmental structure would help address administrative bottlenecks and improve institutional functioning.
It also expressed satisfaction over revisions in deputation and leave reserve provisions for various engineering posts, including Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers and Assistant Executive Engineers, stating that the move would improve manpower planning and departmental flexibility.
While appreciating the ongoing regularisation process in the Jal Shakti Department, the Association said a similar mechanism was still lacking in the R and B Department and expressed hope that the government would address the issue on similar lines.
JKCEGA President Er Farooq Ahmad described the cadre review as a historic reform reflecting the government’s understanding of the structural and operational needs of the department. Chief Patron Er Nasir Amin said the reforms would strengthen the department at both administrative and field levels while improving efficiency, accountability and technical supervision.
The Association expressed hope that the government would continue undertaking similar reforms for institutional strengthening and improved infrastructure management in Jammu and Kashmir.
