Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Apr 8: Panchayat Accounts Assistants (PAAs) in Jammu and Kashmir continue to work without service rules, promotion policy, or transfer guidelines even four years after their appointment, leaving them frustrated over stagnant career growth.
Scores of PAAs said they were recruited through a highly competitive examination conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) in 2020 — the first major recruitment drive after the abrogation of Article 370.
They were appointed in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to manage crucial financial operations in Block Development Offices (BDOs). “The recruitment was seen as a landmark exercise, with over 1.64 lakh applicants vying for the posts. Appointment orders were handed over by the Union Home Minister, underlining the importance of the new cadre,” a PAA, said.
However, despite their critical role in rural governance, PAAs said they remain without a clear service structure or career progression plan. Officials said that although the Department of Rural Development has submitted multiple proposals for cadre structuring and promotions, the Finance Department has repeatedly returned the file, seeking revisions without providing any clear justification.
“The file regarding career progression has been lying in the Finance Department for the last two years without any outcome. We feel ignored despite being part of vital grassroots governance,” said a PAA, adding that many among them have even cleared prestigious examinations like JKAS and UPSC.
In response to a cut motion raised by MLA Sheikh Khursheed in the Assembly, the Government said deliberations have taken place between the Rural Development Department and the Finance Department regarding the career progression and cadre management of PAAs.
The reply added that it was decided PAAs will continue to be managed by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. A draft policy framework for their career progression has been submitted to the Finance Department for approval, which involves financial implications and post upgradations through the reduction of lower-tier positions. However, the final approval remains pending.
The Director General (Codes) in the Finance Department, Mahesh Das, said he is yet to receive the file.
Meanwhile, PAAs have urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to intervene, warning that prolonged bureaucratic delays risk demoralizing a cadre central to the delivery of rural development schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.
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