J&K Power Deptt struggles as majority of SE posts lie vacant
Srinagar, Aug 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) is facing an acute staffing crisis at the senior engineering level, with 28 out of the 36 sanctioned posts of Superintending Engineers (SEs) lying vacant. Only eight SEs are currently functioning across the entire Union Territory, significantly impacting the department’s operational and supervisory capabilities.
The Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) has termed the situation as a collapse of management at the top level. The association has cautioned that unless immediate administrative intervention is undertaken, the crisis is expected to deepen further. By the end of 2025, 30 SE posts are projected to remain unfilled, and by 2026 and 2027, the number will likely remain at 32 out of 36 posts vacant.
The root of the problem lies in the eligibility criteria under the J&K Engineering (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, which mandate 17 years of cumulative gazetted service and three years as Executive Engineer for promotion to SE. While all current Executive Engineers meet the 17-year service requirement, none, except five, are likely to complete three years as Executive Engineers before retirement. As a result, the promotional ladder is effectively frozen, with no eligible candidates available to fill the vacant SE posts.
President of JKEEGA, Pirzada Hidayatullah, said the association has submitted detailed data to the department demonstrating the gravity of the situation and requesting rule relaxation to allow promotions, as has been done in other departments.
"We have repeatedly brought this crisis to the attention of the administration. The department is fully aware that by the end of 2025, 30 out of 36 SE posts will be lying vacant. Yet no action has been initiated to remedy this," Hidayatullah said.
He cited the example of the Jal Shakti Department, which recently amended its recruitment rules via Government Order No. 94-JK(JSD) of 2025 dated April 2, 2025, allowing promotions to the post of SE with 15 years of gazetted service and just one year as Executive Engineer. Within two months of the amendment, 31 Executive Engineers were promoted in the Jal Shakti Department.
"In contrast, despite PDD facing a more severe situation, no steps have been taken to initiate a similar relaxation. In the Kashmir region alone, five out of six SE circles in the distribution wing are vacant and being managed by Chief Engineers holding additional charges. In the Jammu division, three out of five such circles are without SEs. The entire Project Wing of KPDCL in Kashmir, responsible for implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes, has no SEs in any of its three circles," Hidayatullah added.
He said the absence of SEs is affecting the implementation and monitoring of key power sector projects, including those aimed at reducing AT\&C losses and improving supply reliability.
"Instead of addressing the crisis, the department is burdening Chief Engineers with multiple additional charges. This is neither sustainable nor effective. The power sector’s operational integrity and reform agenda are at serious risk," he said.
JKEEGA has urged Chief Minister to personally intervene and accord similar relaxation for J\&K PDD as done for the Jal Shakti Department. The association argues that unless the promotion criteria are modified immediately, the department will continue to operate under severe constraints for the next several years, impacting its ability to deliver reliable power and meet reform targets.
