JAMMU: A delegation of the All Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Officers Welfare Forum (AJKAOWF) on Thursday called on Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Cooperatives and Election Javid Ahmad Dar and discussed several long-pending issues concerning Agriculture Officers in the department.
The delegation highlighted the delay in convening Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) meetings, stating that the prolonged pendency has adversely affected the career progression and morale of officers in the Agriculture Production Department. The forum urged the Minister to expedite the process so that the eligible officers receive timely promotions.
The delegation also raised the issue of pay anomalies across different cadres within the department. It stressed that addressing these disparities is essential to ensure fairness, maintain motivation and establish parity among the officers working in various wings of the agriculture sector.
Another key concern flagged by the forum was to strengthen the Human Resource Management (HRM) Section in the department. The representatives suggested that such a section (HRM) would facilitate the systematic handling of service matters, including promotions, seniority, transfers and other administrative issues.
The Minister assured the delegation that the concerns would be examined on priority and appropriate steps would be taken for their resolution.
Among those present during the meeting were OSD to the Minister Des Raj Bhagat and Deputy Secretary APD Rameshwar Kumar, who also participated in the discussions.
The delegation reiterated its commitment to work in close coordination with the government for the development of the agriculture sector and the welfare of officers serving the farming community of Jammu & Kashmir.
The AJKAOWF delegation was comprised of Chairman Ashwani Sharma, President Rajesh Langer, General Secretary Tilak Raj Sharma, Treasurer Vikas Padha, Press & Publicity Secretary Nirmal Parkash, Joint Secretary Kewal Krishan, Vice President Rahul Sawhney and Organising Secretary Sourab Khajuria.