Reasi, December 03
Despite alleged irregular attendance and apparent lack of accountability, an influential Junior Engineer of Public Works Department (PWD) has been ruling the roost in Reasi district.
According to sources, the engineer, identified as Narinder Paul Singh, who has been in the district for the past eight to nine months and is currently assigned to the Pouni sub-division, is accused of irregular attendance and lack of accountability.
“JE appears at the office sporadically—once a month or even less frequently—despite receiving a regular salary,” said sources, adding that the engineer disregards his duties, with ongoing complaints about unattended projects and poorly maintained roads in Pouni.
If sources are to be believed the JE claims to have strong connections with higher authorities.
“I have my own standards and approach to work. I have direct links with the Chief Engineer and Commissioner,” alleged sources, quoting the JE.
Sources maintained that the locals have registered multiple complaints against the working of the Junior Engineer.
“Complaints have reached multiple levels, including the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and the Executive Engineer (XEN) of PWD Reasi, yet no concrete action has been taken.
“The failure of the senior officers to address these grievances reflects poorly on the oversight mechanisms within the department,” said sources, adding that the past postings of the Junior Engineer in Sundarbani and Nowshera divisions also reportedly faced similar controversies.
They said that in those areas, the engineer was allegedly attached to sub-divisions without being assigned active field responsibilities.
Locals have appealed the Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, demanding immediate action.
They suggested that the JE be reassigned to a different location as a disciplinary measure to set an example for others in the department.
“It is disheartening to see public resources misused in this manner. Such behavior must not be tolerated,” locals asserted.
