J&K Civil Engineering Graduates Association Welcomes Jal Shakti Cadre Review
Calls reform “historic, balanced and institutionally strong”
Srinagar, May 15: The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Engineering Graduates Association (J&KCEGA) has welcomed the Government’s Cadre Review of the Jal Shakti Department issued vide order No. 91-JK(JSD) of 2026 dated May 15, terming it a major reform aimed at strengthening the department’s administrative and technical framework across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here, the Association expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra for what it described as “visionary leadership and administrative wisdom” in carrying out the restructuring exercise in a practical and professionally balanced manner.
The Association said the cadre review addresses several long-pending structural and functional requirements of the department and reflects the Government’s commitment towards improving public service delivery and strengthening the engineering sector.
J&KCEGA particularly appreciated the creation of the post of Secretary Technical in the Jal Shakti Department, stating that the move would improve technical coordination, policy implementation and overall administrative efficiency.
The Association also welcomed the establishment of a separate Design, Inspection & Quality Control (DIQC) wing, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing quality assurance, technical scrutiny and monitoring of public infrastructure works.
The creation of new offices including Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Jammu-II and Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Bandipora was termed a timely decision in view of increasing administrative and operational workload in these regions.
The Association further appreciated the creation of six new divisions including Hydraulic Division Gandoh, Hydraulic Division Gurez, Hydraulic Division Tangdar and PHE Division Mendhar, along with Water Quality & Monitoring Divisions for Jammu and Kashmir provinces.
According to the statement, the restructuring of Mechanical Sub-Divisions and creation of 43 posts through rationalisation of 62 existing posts was also hailed as an example of efficient cadre management without imposing additional financial burden on the Government.
J&KCEGA President Er. Farooq Ahmad described the cadre review as a “historic reform” undertaken without disturbing the existing administrative hierarchy, while Chief Patron Er. Nasir Amin said the measures would improve efficiency, accountability and technical supervision across the department.
The Association also expressed satisfaction over the regularisation process in the Jal Shakti Department and hoped that similar measures would be extended to the R&B Department in the future.
J&KCEGA stated that such reforms would strengthen institutional functioning, improve manpower planning and enhance public infrastructure management in the larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.