Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, October 13
Even as several developmental projects remain stalled, the authorities appear indifferent to appointing a permanent Chief Engineer for the Public Works Department (PWD).
According to sources, faulty administrative decisions have pushed the department into disorder, leaving crucial infrastructure works incomplete and the public frustrated.
“The PWD is deteriorating by the day,” said a source. “Public concerns are growing as schemes remain unfinished. Everyone in the department knows the main problem—lack of funds.”
Sources added that while officials cite a shortage of funds, contractors continue to receive payments for incomplete projects. “The dearth of funds and lack of transparency stem from the absence of a permanent head. The Chief Engineer continues to hold only temporary charge, like his predecessors,” they said.
For months, the PWD in Jammu has functioned without a full-time Chief Engineer, relying on ad-hoc arrangements that have stalled key works. Recent government orders reveal continued reshuffles, assigning in-charge roles and granting quasi-permanent status to some employees, but leaving the top post unresolved.
From junior executives to senior officials, the refrain remains the same: “No funds, no money,” sources said.
They pointed to the incomplete culvert project as a glaring example of neglect. “Two pillars were erected nearly two years ago, but the cantilever is still missing,” a source said. “The public raised the issue, and both the Deputy Commissioner and ADC Sunderbani inspected the site, but no action followed—reflecting a lack of accountability in the absence of a permanent Chief Engineer.”
Repeated attempts to contact Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Surinder Choudhary for comments proved unsuccessful. The Principal Secretary too could not be reached despite several efforts.
