SRINAGAR, October 30: The Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana, announced today that the government is considering a policy for the regularization of daily-wagers in an effort to address ongoing staff shortages.
In response to a query from Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi during the Legislative Assembly, Rana highlighted that the department currently faces a shortage of personnel due to the superannuation of several field employees. The regularization will potentially provide job security to many daily-wagers who have worked in the department for an extended period.
According to the Minister’s statement, the PHE Sub-Division Uri currently employs 125 Assistant Linemen, with only 8 Lineman posts remaining vacant. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for a robust workforce to manage daily operations, especially in maintaining water supply and associated services.
“We are taking every effort to ensure that water supply to the community remains uninterrupted,” Minister Rana explained. He reassured that while the government considers the regularization policy, it has made interim arrangements to fill this gap. The internal deployment of available manpower—including regular employees and daily-wagers—has been implemented to guarantee that the Water Supply Schemes (WSS) continue to operate efficiently until formal recruitment and promotions take place.
The proposal for regularizing daily-wagers reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring every worker’s rights and acknowledging their contributions. This move could not only stabilize the workforce amidst challenges but also foster a sense of loyalty and motivation among the daily-wagers.
The Jal Shakti Department plays a critical role in providing water and sanitation services across regions. As the situation progresses, updates regarding the regularization policy will be closely monitored by both the assembly members and the affected employees.
Experts suggest that such measures are essential in addressing workforce sustainability, especially in public utility sectors where operational continuity is critical. Delays in filling vacancies can lead to service disruptions, affecting thousands of residents.
“This policy could transform the employment landscape in public services,” said a source familiar with the department’s workings. Regularization can pave the way for greater efficiency, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level.
