SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today held a series of meetings with various public deputations and individuals at Srinagar, during which they apprised him of issues and grievances.
A deputation of the Jal Shakti Contractors Welfare Association, Kashmir submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the acute financial distress being faced by contractors owing to the non-release of work-done liabilities under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The Association informed the Minister that contractors have executed works strictly in accordance with approved estimates and technical specifications, but payments have remained pending for a prolonged period, adversely impacting their financial stability and ability to continue ongoing projects.
A delegation of Range Officers Grade-II also called on the Minister and presented a comprehensive representation seeking early redressal of issues related to their promotions.
The delegation urged the Government to expedite the promotion process, citing long-standing stagnation that has affected morale, career progression, and overall efficiency within the department.
Another deputation, comprising employees working in water testing laboratories, apprised the Minister of challenges related to low remuneration and inadequate financial support for water quality monitoring activities.
They emphasized that strengthening laboratory infrastructure, providing adequate resources, and ensuring fair compensation are essential for maintaining prescribed drinking water quality standards under various water supply schemes.
Additionally, a delegation sought their re-engagement in the Sindh Forest Division, highlighting their past contributions and experience.
Besides these, several other deputations and individuals raised issues of public importance concerning development works and civic amenities in their respective areas, seeking the Minister’s intervention for timely resolution.
The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the delegations and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined sympathetically in consultation with the concerned departments.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing public grievances and assured that appropriate steps would be taken for their redressal at the earliest.
