JKMEGA pitches for implementation of ACP scheme

Srinagar, Dec 20: The Jammu & Kashmir Mechanical Engineering Graduates Association (JKMEGA) has made an urgent plea to the Honourable Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, and the Council of Cabinet Ministers for the immediate rollout of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme.

A statement said that although approved by the previous administration, this vital reform has not yet been enacted through an official Statutory Rule Order (SRO), leaving engineers in a state of career stagnation that has persisted for decades.

"Engineers in Jammu and Kashmir play a critical role in the region's development, spearheading infrastructure projects in healthcare, water supply, power, and road connectivity. Their dedication was particularly evident during the COVID-19 crisis when they ensured the continuous supply of electricity and oxygen under extreme conditions. However, despite their significant contributions, the career structure for these professionals remains limited, with the majority retiring at entry-level positions like Assistant Engineer or Assistant Executive Engineer."

" A stark 76% of engineers retire without significant career advancement, with only a small percentage reaching higher echelons. While other sectors like administrative and police services have seen the implementation of similar progression schemes, engineers have been notably left out, highlighting a profound disparity. The lack of cadre expansion since 1997 has only deepened this sense of neglect and undervaluation among the engineering community," the statement said.

Moreover, JKMEGA has stressed the urgent need for expanding the Mechanical wing within Jalshakti, which is crucial for the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and for ensuring efficient public service delivery systems in the future. Currently, the mechanical divisions are severely overstretched, with just one division often responsible for serving four districts, reflecting the increasing reliance on mechanized infrastructure and life-support systems, it said.