Agriculture Technocrats seek redressal of demands, issues

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 20: An emergency jointly meeting was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Technocrats Association (Jammu Division) and Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Technocrats United Forum (Kashmir Division) under the chairmanship of Dr Surinder Radotra along with executive members regarding the issues lingering over the years.
The meet reiterated the demand for inclusion of 7,8,9 years of Rehbar-i-Zirats service in regular service for Old Pension Scheme and conduct DPC of AEAs immediately under SRO 442.
While addressing the meeting, Dr Surinder Radotra, President, JKATA said that DPC of Agriculture Extension Assistants (AEAs) against 75 percent quota, is yet to be conducted till date whereas on the other hand, DPC of 25 percent quota of Field-Assistants under various categories has been conducted twice by the Directorate / Administration.
“It is clear discrimination in our case (highly professional degree holders). Our association is absolutely not against anyone’s right but if 25 percent quota has already been implemented in case of Matric /Under-Matric employees with BAT only, then why 75 percent quota is still moving somewhere under verbal conversations,” he said.
He also urged the Government to consider only Pay-Grade / Grade up- gradation impact while conducting DPC in case of Field- Assistants under various categories rather than on their positions upto the next levels. “Otherwise, there’s no difference between Matric/ U-Matric with BAT only and highly qualified professional technocrats with B Sc Agriculture ( 4 years degree course ) / M Sc Agriculture (2 years degree course ),” he added.
Dr Surinder Radotra urged the Government to address the grievance of highly qualified Technocrats. “Post of JAEOs is technical one and meant for qualified Agriculture Technocrats with a valid Graduation/ post graduation/ Ph D degree in Agriculture Science. 25 percent quota for class IV Under Matriculates/ Matriculates holding the post of Mali or field assistants is unjustified and against the spirit of true professionalism. This quota is unjustified and does not hold ground in merit based selection and promotions for Agriculture Technocrats positions,” he explained.
Dr Khursheed Ahmed, Chairman Kashmir Division JKATUF demanded inclusion of seven years period of REZ as period of regular service on the analogy of ReTs, (Rehbar-E Taleem) who have already been benefited.