Technical experts urge CM to halt outsourcing of PMAY services

Srinagar, Jan 10: Technical experts working with the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board have appealed to the Chief Minister, Omar Omar Abdullah to intervene and stop the proposed outsourcing of consultancy services under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), citing their proven track record and years of dedicated service.

The appeal comes in response to a recent tender notice issued by the Mission Directorate PMAY-U seeking to hire external consultants, a move that could potentially sideline the existing technical staff who have been implementing the housing scheme for the past 8-10 years.

According to aggrieved employees, the current technical experts were appointed through a proper procedural framework, which included public advertisements and oversight by a committee chaired by the then-commissioner Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD). Their performance has been consistently praised, contributing significantly to J&K being recognised as one of the best performing Union Territories in the Urban Conclave 2021-22.

"The existing team's achievements are substantial. Under our supervision, the UT has successfully implemented 465 project proposals under PMAY-Urban, with 28,984 houses completed and thousands more at various stages of construction. The programme has attracted funding of ₹483.48 crore up to December 2024," they said.

"Despite these accomplishments, we face significant challenges. we are currently receive ₹35,000 monthly, the new tender proposes hiring similar positions at significantly higher salaries ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1.20 lakhs per month."

They said that the Chief Minister's office, which also holds the Housing Ministry portfolio, has reportedly acknowledged these concerns.

The technical experts urged the J&K government particularly CM Omar Abdullah to halt the outsourcing process in order to save the livelihood of several youth employed with this programme.