Srinagar, Aug 13: Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Thursday chaired a meeting to finalise a structured, transparent and merit-based career progression framework for Panchayat Accounts Assistants (PAAs).
The meeting was attended by Director Rural Development Kashmir Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Director Rural Development Jammu Shahnaz Akhtar, Director Finance Umar Khan, Additional Secretary Waseem Raja, Deputy Legal Remembrancer Parmjeet Singh and other senior officers.
According to an official statement, the Secretary directed officers to formulate the framework on the basis of verified data regarding sanctioned strength, vacancies, deployment and financial implications. He also stressed the need to explore rationalisation and restructuring of existing posts to create meaningful promotional avenues for PAAs.
Asad asked officials to create a comprehensive electronic database of existing posts and vacancies and undertake a comparative study of career progression models adopted by other departments, states and Union Territories.
He emphasised that career progression should be linked to higher responsibilities, enhanced duties, competence and accountability, while safeguarding the legitimate interests and promotional prospects of existing employees. An examination- and assessment-based mechanism was also discussed during the meeting.
The Secretary was informed that a committee headed by the Director Rural Development Kashmir has already been constituted to finalise the Assured Career Progression framework in light of observations made by the Finance Department and submit its recommendations within a stipulated timeframe.
The proposed framework is expected to benefit around 1,700 Panchayat Accounts Assistants recruited through the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB).
