Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: A joint delegation of Gazetted Agriculture and Horticulture officers’ led by Vijay Upadhaya and Chaman Lal Sharma today called on Finance Minister Altaf Bukhari and apprised him issues awaiting resolution in backdrop of announcements and promises made on floor of the Assembly assuring assured career progression and parity to technical cadres including Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal/Sheep Husbandry Departments in terms of grade, grade pay and periodicity of ACP.
It was apprised that due to acute stagnation, Agriculture and Horticulture Departments have been suffering for long and dearth of promotions led to demoralization of cadres. Officers retired and superannuated on entry level posts with meager pensions. Non-Technical Directors were thrust to man technical departments with disastrous results. But, lately due to intervention of competent Ministers and vision of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, a ray of hope to the neglected cadres has opened up. The Gazetted Agriculture/ Horticulture cadres are hopeful that all its issues unattended for years are likely to be resolved soon, given the grit, determination and human touch of the Finance Minister.
The delegation apprised the Minister that Assured Career Progression (ACP) was only way to settle the stagnation issues once for all. Cadre expects technical grade pay of Rs 5400 and 1st ACP at a periodicity of 7/10 years for Post Graduates/ Graduates, second after 15 years and 3rd after 20 years. Even GoI has written to all States for considering professional grades for Agriculture/ Horticulture and allied sectors and have asked for action taken report in the matter. This is prelude to the great grand vision of Prime Minister to double farmers income by 2022.
Finance Minister was very receptive and assured that all promises made by the Government will be met and justice will prevail for the technical cadres engaged in the service of farming community of the State.
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