Srinagar: The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of Engineers, an amalgam of the J&K Civil Engineers Graduates Association (JKCEGA) and the J&K Mechanical Engineers Graduates Association (JKMEGA), has urged the government to review the recent suspension orders of several engineers in the Public Works (R&B) and Mechanical departments.
The body said most of the officers had acted within their jurisdiction and that such actions were creating a “demoralising atmosphere” among engineers working tirelessly to maintain essential services in harsh winter conditions.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of Engineers—an amalgam of the J&K Civil Engineers Graduates Association (JKCEGA) and the J&K Mechanical Engineers Graduates Association (JKMEGA)—has expressed its serious concern, surprise, and displeasure over the recent recommendations for suspension of Engineers of the Public Works (R&B) and Mechanical, Department issued vide Order No. PW-HRM1/3/2026-13 dated 27.01.2026.
It said the JCC has stated that most of the officers named in the said communication were functioning well within their jurisdiction and strictly in the line of duty, as has also been found and endorsed by the respective administrative officers at the district and sub-district levels.
It reads, the engineers, who are relentlessly putting in their sweat and blood to deliver essential public services and are making every possible effort for the timely and successful completion of various developmental projects, are being subjected to an increasingly demoralising environment.
The statement said that the JCC emphasized that in the present socio-political framework, governance largely revolves around development and effective delivery of public services. The achievement of these core indicators of effective governance depends substantially on the contribution and performance of engineers.
“The financial indicators of the Union Territory of J&K during the current and previous fiscal years clearly reflect that engineers have, to a large extent, successfully achieved the set targets of development and progress. Despite this, a depressing and suffocating atmosphere is being created for engineers through various means, including public humiliation, media trials, and undue pressure during district and administrative-level meetings,” it added.
“Such actions serve only as demoralising and distracting factors, adversely affecting efficiency and morale. The JCC highlighted several recent instances, including the attack on engineers as in Pulwama recently, wherein a Junior Engineer sustained injuries; the discouragement faced by engineers during the recent snowfall despite their tireless day-and-night efforts to restore water supply, clear snow-blocked roads and restore electricity; and delays in infrastructure projects such as bridge construction, where multiple factors beyond the control of engineers are often involved,” it said.
The statement said that during the recent pan-Kashmir snowfall on January 23, 2026, more than four feet of snow accumulated within just three hours at certain locations following gusty winds, severely hampering snow-clearance operations.
“This fact was evident on social media and was also acknowledged by the Chief Engineer, Mechanical & Hospital Engineering Department (M&HED), and his team. The chairman JCC of Engineers , further conveyed that the road network has increased manifold over the years; however, no corresponding increase in subdivisions, divisions, or supporting infrastructure was created during the reorganisation.”
Moreover, large-scale vacancies at all levels, repeatedly brought to the notice of the Government for early filling, continue to remain unaddressed at all level of Je, AE,AE , AEE and Importantly, the post of Superintending Engineer (Mechanical), the Nodal Officer of the department for mechanised snow clearance, is presently lying vacant.
The statement further said, the JCC stated that in such situations, the entire district administration works in close coordination under the supervision of the concerned Deputy Commissioner, who regularly updates the Government regarding the progress of restoration of essential services.
Similarly, the concerned Head of Department (Chief Engineer) remains fully apprised of the reasons and causes for any delay in execution of works or projects through regular reporting mechanisms. Therefore, it is both appropriate and prudent to seek factual details through these established administrative channels rather than relying on social-media reels and videos, which may or may not be authentic.
“The JCC always supports the transparency and accountability, so any one showing the negligence in public service delivery be investigated and punished as warranted the set service rules,” the statement added.
“The JCC has sought the immediate attention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Hon’ble Chief Secretary, J&K, to take cognizance of the prevailing conditions and circumstances that are acting as deterrents and demoralising engineers in the discharge of their professional duties. The Committee also reminded the Hon’ble Chief Minister of the inspiring words and assurances extended to engineers on 15th September 2025 (Engineers’ Day) at the Institution of Engineers (India), Sonwar, Srinagar,” it said.
The JCC also said it, reiterated that just as a demoralised army can never win a war, a demoralised engineering fraternity cannot effectively deliver on developmental goals. This is the crucial time for the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Hon’ble Chief Secretary to boost the morale of engineers by sending a clear and strong message that while non-performance will not be tolerated under any circumstances, every effort shall be made to protect the dignity, honour, and professional integrity of engineers in recognition of their invaluable services to the public and the nation.
“The JCC expressed hope that a decisive and early action in this regard will be widely welcomed and reciprocated in the true spirit of dedication and service and in present situation the proposed suspension of Engineers will reviewed on facts and withdrawn to provide justice and raise morale of engineers to deliver better in these harsh winter conditions for public as per assigned duties for which we are meant and feel privileged,” reads the statement—(KNO)
