SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday urged newly-appointed Junior Engineers (JEs) of the Public Works Department (PWD) to treat public funds as a sacred trust and ensure quality, durable infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a function at SKICC after distributing appointment orders to 132 Junior Engineer (Civil) recruits, CM Omar said the letters carried the hopes and expectations of the people.
“Public money is trust. It must be spent with utmost honesty and accountability,” he said, stressing that infrastructure built with taxpayer funds must stand the test of time.
He asked the engineers to ensure that roads, bridges, hospitals and public buildings reflect quality and integrity. “If we build a hospital or a bridge, it should serve people for decades. Citizens do not expect freshly-laid roads to get damaged after a single spell of rain,” he said.
Calling on the recruits to serve with honesty, CM Omar said public expectations remain the same regardless of tenure. “We must discharge our duties with dedication and accountability,” he added.
The Chief Minister described the young engineers as key to shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future. “You have three decades ahead of you. The future of the Union Territory will be defined by your work,” he said.
He also urged them not to seek transfers and instead serve wherever they are posted, including remote areas. “Government service cannot place everyone near their homes. Service in far-flung areas is equally important,” he said.
Highlighting challenges in project execution, CM Omar said external developments can impact infrastructure work, citing ongoing difficulties in blacktopping due to bitumen shortages.
He, however, stressed the need to deliver even in difficult conditions. “We may not always have ideal situations, but our commitment to public service must remain intact,” he said.
Urging engineers to build a culture of quality, the Chief Minister said their work would leave a lasting legacy. “Let every road, bridge and public building become a testimony to your professionalism and commitment,” he added. (KNO)
