Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 5: A delegation of All J&K Agriculture Officers Welfare Forum (AJKAOWF) led by its president Vijay Upadhaya called on Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura and discussed the problems of the cadre with him.
The delegation informed the Minster that the there is a lot of demoralization in the cadre due to long stagnation, non settlement of up to date seniority and non conducting DPC since last three decades. The Forum while complimenting the Minister in making a good beginning to address the waxed issue of DPC and settlement of seniority which has hindered the overall progress of this very vital Department in terms of human resources management in general and farming community in particular appealed him to settle the seniority of 1063 odd gazetted agriculture officers to the last cadre till date once for all.
It demanded that till settlement of seniority / DPC temporary charge of higher vacant posts may be assigned to the most senior and eligible officers as an interim relief to them as presently the Department is under staffed with 40 percent of its cadre strength only and vacant positions affecting the overall working at all levels.
The delegation said that instead of multiple charges to chosen few one man one post principle on the pattern of Kashmir Valley be adopted to inculcate interest and enthusiasm in the deserving officers. The delegation also discussed the time bound promotion on the pattern of veterinarians, assured career progression as well as restructuring , recognition of department, revisiting of faulty 1988 agriculture service rules, transparent transfer policy and strengthening of AEO level and other officers with infrastructure and basic amenities.