The ongoing staff shortage at Jammu’s Super Bazaar is a glaring example of systemic neglect and inefficiency that is undermining a vital public service. The Jammu Super Bazaar serves as a public utility that caters to essential daily needs. With over 75% of its sanctioned workforce positions lying vacant, the Bazaar is in a state of operational paralysis, disrupting both employee morale and customer satisfaction. The closure of several branches and the impending shutdown of others paint a grim picture of the state of affairs. For an establishment meant to serve as a cornerstone of convenience for the public, the failure to maintain adequate staffing is a serious lapse. The absence of skilled personnel and sales staff has cascaded into significant delays in service delivery, forcing customers to either wait endlessly or leave empty-handed. Meanwhile, the remaining 25 employees are overburdened, struggling to cope with a workload designed for a team four times their size. This unsustainable situation not only affects their health and well-being but also compromises the efficiency and quality of service.
The vacancies have persisted for years, caused largely by retirements without any replacement hires. Despite repeated pleas from employees, higher authorities have failed to act decisively. This apathy is detrimental not just to the Bazaar but to the Cooperative Department’s credibility. The argument by the Cooperative Department’s Additional Registrar that the current staff strength is sufficient appears disconnected from the ground realities. While it is true that some branches experience low business volumes, this cannot justify the sweeping inaction towards filling vacancies. The affected branches, including Roop Nagar and Talab Tillo, have suffered from reduced efficiency and a declining customer base precisely because of inadequate staffing-a vicious cycle that further erodes the Bazaar’s purpose. The authorities must prioritise filling long-standing vacancies, implementing workforce optimisation strategies, and ensuring equitable distribution of staff across branches. Employee grievances must be addressed with sensitivity and urgency. Furthermore, strategic planning to revitalise underperforming branches is essential to restoring customer confidence and improving revenue streams.
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