Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, October 6
The Public Works Department (PWD) in Jammu continues to remain headless, leaving several crucial development projects in limbo.
For the past few months, the department has been functioning without a permanent chief engineer, relying instead on temporary “charge arrangements.”
According to sources, multiple officers have been handed additional responsibilities, with some managing as many as four to five charges simultaneously.
Despite recent promotions of nearly a dozen officers, many have neither been posted to circles nor adjusted into proper positions.
“Promotions were announced, but no postings followed. Some engineers are continuing at their old positions, while others remain without assignments. This eye-wash approach has created chaos,” said an official, wishing anonymity.
Sources said that the absence of a permanent chief engineer is having a direct impact on public infrastructure.
“Several road and construction projects remain incomplete, with departments unable to progress in the absence of clear leadership,” said sources, adding that due to administrative indecisiveness, essential development projects are hanging in limbo.
Meanwhile, locals castigated the senior officers in the administration, including Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, seeking their intervention to streamline the functioning of the PWD.
“Until a permanent chief engineer is appointed and postings of promoted officers are finalized, the department will continue to deteriorate,” locals maintained.
