STATE TIMES NEWS
UDHAMPUR : The spark ignited by Dharna and protests by Poonch Agriculture Employees on 28th June found its outlet in Udhampur on Tuesday, where agriculture officers’ went on one day pen down strike under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Officers Welfare Forum led by the District President Rajan Sharma.
Agriculture Officers of Udhampur District lamented the lackadaisical approach of the administration in attending to the sufferings and basic issues concerning this vital department. Despite announcement of grandiose schemes for agriculture, there is no urgency to set the house in order. Status quo prevails on DPC/seniority of its officers since three decades, no matter, officers continue to retire on same post, they were recruited. Adhocism/temporary chargism is the order of the day. Vacancies at all levels put strain on effective implementation of plethora of farmers welfare schemes. Overall, there are 280 vacancies from JAEO level to CAO level in Jammu division, which can accommodate and promote over 80 per cent of its cadre giving boost to demoralised cadre and end stagnation of years. Even interim arrangements for filling up the vacancies are delayed continuously in Jammu Division, whereas, in Kashmir Division all vacancies are filled up by interim arrangement by Director Kashmir, with the result JAEO in Kashmir Division is working as Sub-Divisional Officer and AEO as District Officer, whereas, JAEO/AEO in Jammu are retiring as JAEO/AEO only. Handful of undeserving officers have grabbed top posts and hindering the prospects of majority by litigation/misrepresentation. Even State level posts are filled locally at district/province level, as a result, senior most eligible officers are working under junior most ineligible officers giving rise to demoralisation, heartburn and disinterest affecting work and efficiency.
Forum appealed to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Agriculture Minister G.N Lone Hanjura, MoS Sunil Sharma, to personally look into and settle problems of agriculture officers.
