Ajay Sharma
Reasi, September 23: Several key posts in the Public Works Department (PWD) in Reasi and Katra have reportedly remained vacant for the past several months, with the department functioning through interim charge arrangements.
According to reports, these vacant posts are impacting the execution of development and road-related works.
Meanwhile, locals in the area shared that several roads in the Pouni area of Reasi district were damaged during the last rainy season, with road closures and damage to protective walls causing difficulties for commuters and residents.
“Intervention by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary led to repairs being taken up on several affected roads,” said locals, adding that however, concerns remain over the functioning of the department at the administrative and execution levels.
Locals lamented that the post of Executive Engineer, PWD Reasi, has remained vacant for several months, with the charge reportedly assigned to an Executive Engineer from the PMGSY department.
“The officer is consequently required to handle responsibilities at two places, which is affecting the timely handling of public works and departmental matters,” said locals, adding that the post of the Executive Engineer, PWD Katra, also remained vacant, whose charge has reportedly been assigned to an officer associated with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Another key vacancy cited is that of Superintending Engineer, PWD Udhampur, which has also remained unfilled for several months.
The issue has also been linked to concerns raised by contractors working on PWD projects in Reasi, who have complained about delays in receiving payments, which they said has affected their ability to proceed with their assigned works.
Locals have urged the government and the concerned minister to streamline the department and fill the vacant posts at the earliest, particularly the positions of Executive Engineer PWD Reasi and Executive Engineer PWD Katra, arguing that formally posted officers would help streamline decision-making and expedite public works.
They also raised concerns over the possibility of funds or sanctioned works being delayed or lapsing if projects are not executed within the stipulated period, and questioned who would be held responsible in such an eventuality.
Talking to The Northlines, a senior PWD officer has assured that the vacant positions would be filled shortly and officers will be appointed at the earliest.