Srinagar, May 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Friday approved a series of major administrative and developmental proposals, including the creation of six new divisions in the Jal Shakti Department (JSD) and authorization to DISCOMs for implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aimed at providing 200 units of free electricity per month to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was held at the Public Service and Outreach Office on Gupkar Road in Srinagar and lasted for more than an hour.
According to official sources, the Cabinet approved a cadre review and reorganization proposal of the Jal Shakti Department, sanctioning the establishment of six new divisions. These include Hydraulic Divisions at Gandoh, Gurez and Tangdar, a PHE Division at Mendhar, and two Water Quality and Monitoring Divisions in Jammu and Srinagar.
The Cabinet also approved creation of the post of Secretary Technical and establishment of a separate Design, Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) wing within the department. In addition, offices of Superintending Engineers for Hydraulic Circle Jammu-II and Bandipora were also sanctioned.
As part of the restructuring process, the Cabinet gave nod to re-organization of Mechanical Sub-Divisions, including creation of 43 posts through corresponding reduction of 62 existing posts, encadrement of 10 posts and reassignment of 137 posts within the cadre.
Sources said the Cabinet also approved changes in deputation and leave reserve posts within the department. The number of deputation posts for Chief Engineers has been increased from five to seven, while deputation reserve and leave reserve posts for Superintending Engineers have been revised to maintain departmental strength requirements.
Similarly, deputation reserve posts for Executive Engineers have been enhanced from 25 percent to 35 percent, while those for Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) have been reduced from 25 percent to 20 percent.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet authorized the Power Development Department and DISCOMs to implement the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana under the RESCO/Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model for installation of 2 KW rooftop solar systems for AAY households.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring 200 units of free electricity every month for economically weaker families. The Cabinet also authorized DISCOMs to float the Request for Proposal (RFP) and take further steps for execution of the scheme in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Officials said the scheme is expected to reduce energy poverty, lower transmission losses in remote areas, support Renewable Purchase Obligation targets and improve the living standards of poor households through affordable and sustainable energy access.(KNC)
