Roads are face of nation.
Development of quality and extensive road network in Jammu & Kashmir is vital, given the topography of the UT and limited scope for development of alternate means of transportation. A well-developed network of roads is necessary not only for the economic development of the UT but for its social, political and cultural development. It is required to exploit rich natural wealth of the UT, to develop indigenous industries, to explore new markets for its products and to promote tourism.
PW(R&B) Department is mandated to develop a robust road network. To this effect the Department has been focusing on construction of new roads, maintenance and upgradation of already existing roads, construction of bridges and culverts and connecting habitations/ villages with the network of roads. Major thrust is being given to the schemes envisaging road connectivity to inaccessible and difficult areas for equitable development of Jammu & Kashmir.
From since long the R and B department was craving for reforms as it seemed too many cooks spoiling the broth. In this regard, Government has taken series of steps.
The Government on Friday ordered restructuring of Public Works (R&B) Department by way of re-organisation of cadre and rationalization of jurisdiction of its subordinate and field offices by making them co-terminus with territorial limits of divisions, districts and blocks of the Jammu and Kashmir.
It was stated in the government order Development Commissioner Works (Ex- officio Secretary Tech. R&B Department) has been re-designated as Engineer-in-Chief (Secretary Technical R&B Department).
Mechanical Engineering Department Jammu and Kashmir has been renamed as Mechanical and Hospital Directorate J/K respectively.
“The post of Chief Engineer, DIQC shall be filled from Civil Wing of PW(R&B) henceforth instead of Hydraulic Wing.”
Also, one post each of Chief Engineer Mechanical Wing and Chief Engineer Mughal Road Project is transferred to Civil Wing.
On the other hand of the spectrum,
The government also ordered conversion of three posts of Chief Engineers of SKUAST- Kashmir(01), SKUAST-Jammu(01) and SKIMS Soura(01) from deputation post to duty post by abolishing these posts from the concerned subsumed/merged engineering wings of departments.
One hopes that considering the paramount importance of R&B Department everything would be done to make its current generation employees more accountable and efficient in every manner.
