SRINAGAR: A delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Mechanical Engineering Graduates Association (JKMEGA), led by President Er Firdous Ahad Bhat, met with Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana.
The JKMEGA expressed support for his plans to advance engineering standards across Jammu and Kashmir. Key members, including Organising Secretary Er Shuja Hussain Qureshi, Coordinator Er Fayaz Ahmad Ganai, and Guidance Council Members Er Shahid Lateef Mir and Er Jahan Ara, participated in the discussions.
The delegation acknowledged the significant reforms within the Jal Shakti Department under the leadership of Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra (IAS) but stressed the need to further expand the Mechanical cadre to improve project execution and service delivery in the region. They proposed establishing a Chief Engineer (Hydraulic) – Mechanical role, which would add dedicated leadership and expertise to handle the unique requirements of mechanical engineering in water management and infrastructure projects.
The Minister appreciated the suggestion, recognising that strengthening the Mechanical cadre could enhance operational efficiency and public service outcomes. He assured the delegation that these structural changes would be given serious consideration.
JKMEGA also highlighted the need for job-specific task allocation, advocating for roles within the department to be assigned based on professional expertise. The delegation further raised concerns about the lack of career progression opportunities for mechanical engineers, urging the implementation of Assured Career Progression (ACP) and Time-Bound Promotion (TBP) schemes to mitigate stagnation and encourage skill development within the cadre.
Responding to these requests, Minister Rana acknowledged career advancement as an essential right for engineers and expressed commitment to actionable measures that would address these pressing concerns. The meeting marked a productive step towards reforming the mechanical engineering landscape in Jammu & Kashmir, with JKMEGA and the government collaborating to boost efficiency, recognition, and career growth for engineering professionals in the Union Territory.
