Allegations of Corruption Delay Restructuring of J&K Public Works Department Ahead of G20 Summit

The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, has put on hold the reorganization and restructuring of the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department. This move comes amidst reports of widespread corruption at lower levels within the department and just before the G20 summit scheduled for May 22-23 in Srinagar.

According to highly placed sources, frequent cases of corruption have been reported in the administrative department of the Public Works department. Taking serious note of this information from government agencies, the Chief Secretary has deferred the implementation of the restructuring plan outlined in order 22-JK(GAD) of 2023 dated 06/01/2023. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “If any irregularities are found in the exercise carried out by the administrative department, the Chief Secretary may revoke the restructuring order after the G20 summit.”

While acknowledging the need for reorganization, the officer claimed that the exercise was more focused on expanding the “transfer and promotion industry” rather than serving the purpose of restructuring the department. Allegations suggest that two powerful clerks and a JKAS (Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service) officer in the administrative department have amassed fortunes through each transfer and promotion order issued.

“The official feedback regarding corruption in the administrative department may be the reason for deferring the reorganization,” the officer said. “These clerks, under the patronage of their JKAS boss, are minting huge money with each order. They insert 10-15 names of officers in the transfer or promotion lists, from where they receive bribes, and their boss further adds the names of his ‘clients.’ The final list is sent for approval to the Administrative Secretary, who approves it without being aware of the transfer industry and transactions.”

The officer further revealed that transfer and posting orders sometimes reach a section of the media even before being uploaded on the official website, citing recent instances on April 5th and April 12th when orders were circulated on news portals before appearing on the department’s website. Another engineer, who is among those to be promoted as Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), claimed that despite most staff being stationed in Kashmir ahead of the G20 summit, two clerks and an Under Secretary remain in the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, busy preparing promotion lists for Junior Engineers and Assistant Engineers. He alleged that these three individuals are accumulating vast sums of money under the guise of an honest exercise.

Concerns have also been raised about the premature transfer of several Executive Engineers, including one from the JDA Division-IInd, Ram Lal, who was posted to the PW(R&B) Division Kathua despite being in his previous position for less than two years. The report further alleges that one of the clerks involved in the transfer industry also has a share in various construction works undertaken by the PW(R&B) Department. Additionally, it is claimed that the reorganization has expanded the number of lucrative posts, potentially multiplying the “income” of officers involved in the transfer industry. The restructuring exercise, ordered on August 11, 2020, aimed to merge the engineering wings of 15 departments under the PW(R&B) Department. However, it is alleged that larger departments with substantial budgets, such as School and Higher Education and Tourism, were selectively excluded, while the JK Sports Council and Police Construction divisions were untouched.

By deferring the restructuring, the Chief Secretary has avoided potential chaos just before the high-profile G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir. The report promises a follow-up story on Saturday, detailing how one of the clerks and his JKAS boss are engaged in the construction industry and allegedly spoil the careers of engineers who follow ethical billing practices.

The allegations of corruption within the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department extend beyond the transfer and promotion industry. According to sources, one of the clerks involved in the alleged scam and his JKAS (Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service) boss have their tentacles spread into the construction industry as well. This unholy nexus between administrative officials and private contractors has created an environment where any engineer who dares to follow ethical practices in billing and project execution faces severe consequences.

The Hidden News has spoken to an engineer who fell victim to the wrath of this powerful duo for adhering to ethical principles. Despite diligently performing his duties and ensuring transparency in the billing process, the engineer found himself at the receiving end of targeted harassment and intimidation tactics. His career was sabotaged, and he was subjected to unjustified transfers and disciplinary actions, all orchestrated by the clerk and his JKAS boss to punish him for his refusal to compromise on integrity.

This disturbing case highlights the extent to which corruption has permeated the system, with those in positions of authority exploiting their power to further their own vested interests. The engineer’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by honest and dedicated professionals in an environment where corruption is deeply entrenched. As promised, The Hidden News will be filing a separate story on Saturday, delving deeper into the details of this harrowing incident and shedding light on the repercussions faced by those who dare to stand up against the corrupt practices of the powerful.

The author is founder editor of https://www.thehiddennews.in/and a freelance journalist.