SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Mechanical Engineering Graduates Association (JKMEGA), in its Executive Committee meeting held on May 31, expressed concern over the acute shortage of personnel in the mechanical engineering cadre across key departments of the Union Territory. The association warned that continued administrative inaction is impacting public service delivery and could compel them to launch a peaceful protest.
The association said several vital divisions in departments across Jammu and Kashmir have been operating without Executive Engineers (XENs) for months. In many cases, the absence of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) has delayed departmental work and halted salary disbursements, affecting the functioning of public utilities.
For the first time, even the Jal Shakti Department has come under strain. As per Government Order No. 134-JK(JSD) of 2025 dated May 31, Superintending Engineers have been given additional charge of vacant Executive Engineer posts due to a lack of available personnel. The same order noted that repeated requests to the Public Works Department (R&B) for mechanical staff placements have gone unanswered, further weakening the service delivery mechanism.
JKMEGA flagged the high number of unfilled posts in the mechanical engineering cadre, including Executive Engineers (XENs), Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), and Assistant Engineers (AEs). The association also highlighted the long-pending promotions of eligible Junior Engineers (JEs) to Assistant Engineers, despite available vacancies and fulfilled criteria. It said the delay has led to career stagnation and reduced departmental efficiency.
In its appeal, JKMEGA urged the administration to expedite the promotion of JEs to AEs, refer the vacant JE posts to the Services Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB), and restore the functional engineering hierarchy in the Mechanical Engineering Department, Jal Shakti Department, and Housing & Urban Development Department.
The association has sought immediate intervention from the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Secretary of Public Works (R&B). It said that restoring the engineering chain of command is essential for governance, public service continuity, and professional dignity.
JKMEGA warned that if the issues remain unresolved, peaceful protest may become necessary.
