Govt suspends three engineers for remaining absent during snow clearance ops in Shopian

Shopian, Dec 28: The District Development Commissioner, Shopian has taken strict action against three Assistant Executive Engineers for abandoning their duties during the critical snow clearance operations currently underway in the district.

The engineers, identified as Muhammad Noordin, Zaffar Ahmed, and Muhammad Saleem, have been placed under suspension for their unauthorized absence.

An official inquiry revealed that the engineers, who were supposed to be actively engaged in snow clearance and providing relief to the people, were found outside their designated areas. Muhammad Noordin was located in Chadoora, Zaffar Ahmed in Janglatmandi Anantnag, and Muhammad Saleem in Srinagar. “Their absence, at a time when the entire administrative machinery is focused on mitigating the effects of heavy snowfall, was deemed a serious breach of duty,” Deputy Commissioner said.

The suspension order as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust issued by the DDC Shopian, stated that the behavior of the engineers was unbecoming of public servants and constituted a clear case of dereliction of duty.

“Pending an inquiry led by the Additional District Development Commissioner, the engineers have been attached to the 24x7 Control Room Shopian, where they are required to report immediately.”

Additionally, it has been directed that no salaries would be drawn for the suspended officers until the inquiry is concluded and subsequent departmental action is taken.

The District Police has been instructed to ensure the immediate attendance of the suspended engineers at the control room.

Meanwhile, the ADDC Shopian has been tasked with submitting a detailed inquiry report by January 1, 2025.