JKEEGA delegation meets CM, seeks assured career progression for engineers

By statetimes_editor Last updated Dec 9, 2025

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: A delegation of the J&K Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA), led by Er. Sachin Tickoo, General Secretary, called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Jammu to discuss key issues concerning the engineering fraternity, with a special focus on Assured Career Progression (ACP) for engineers.

JKEEGA delegation calling CM Omar Abdullah in Jammu on Monday.

At the outset, the JKEEGA delegation expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving the relaxation in the Engineering Gazetted Service Recruitment Rules, a reform long awaited since 1978.
The delegation highlighted that the Chief Minister’s previous addresses at SKICC and the IEI Srinagar Centre had motivated the engineering community, acknowledging their hard work and contributions across the Union Territory. The delegation expressed hope that the upcoming budget session would address the long-pending demand for ACP for engineers.
JKEEGA drew attention to pressing concerns in the Power Development Department, including the regularization of engineers from AE to CE levels, addressing vacant positions from JE to CE, staffing challenges, reorganization, creation of posts as per the Unbundling Report, and inclusion of Assured Career Progression in the upcoming budget documents.
They also requested the utilization of 20% quota of erstwhile departmental direct recruits (AEs) to enhance promotion prospects for existing Junior Engineers, aiming to prevent unnecessary litigation.
The delegation recalled the historic decision of the State Administrative Council (SAC) vide Decision No. 258/22/2019 dated 22/10/2019 and GO No. 191-PDD/2019 dated 23/10/2019, directing that proposals for regular promotions in the engineering cadre of the Power Development Department be processed through the Establishment-cum-Selection Committee without reference to the J&K Public Service Commission, with completion expected by 30/11/2019.
However, over the past six years, progress has been limited. Currently, nearly 109 engineers from AE to CE levels are in Assistant Engineer seniority, and approximately 797 engineers (degree and diploma holders) are in Junior Engineer seniority. Even retired Chief Engineers appointed as JEs in 1986 have yet to be regularized at the Assistant Engineer level. Despite the autonomy provided by the SAC decision, which allows promotions up to Chief Engineer level subject to vigilance clearance and vacancy norms, minimal implementation has been realized.
The delegation urged the Chief Minister to expedite the regularization process and ensure timely fulfillment of ACP for engineers, emphasizing that this would recognize their long-standing contributions and strengthen the engineering cadre across J&K.