Omar Abdullah led cabinet approves Jal Shakti reforms, clears free power scheme for AAY families

Srinagar, May 09: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Friday approved a series of administrative and developmental measures, including restructuring within the Jal Shakti Department and implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was held at the Public Service and Outreach Office on Gupkar Road in Srinagar and continued for over an hour.

News agency KNC citing official sources reported that the Cabinet approved a cadre review and reorganisation proposal for the Jal Shakti Department, sanctioning six new divisions. These include Hydraulic Divisions at Gandoh, Gurez and Tangdar, a Public Health Engineering Division at Mendhar, and Water Quality and Monitoring Divisions in Jammu and Srinagar.

The Cabinet also sanctioned creation of the post of Secretary Technical and approved establishment of a separate Design, Inspection and Quality Control wing within the department. In addition, offices of Superintending Engineers for Hydraulic Circle Jammu-II and Bandipora were cleared.

As part of the restructuring exercise, the Cabinet approved reorganisation of Mechanical Sub-Divisions, including creation of 43 posts through reduction of 62 existing posts, encadrement of 10 posts and reassignment of 137 posts within the cadre structure.

Sources said the Cabinet also revised deputation and leave reserve posts in the department. Deputation posts for Chief Engineers have been increased from five to seven, while deputation reserve and leave reserve posts for Superintending Engineers were revised to maintain departmental requirements.

Similarly, deputation reserve posts for Executive Engineers were enhanced from 25 per cent to 35 per cent, while those for Assistant Executive Engineers were reduced from 25 per cent to 20 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet authorised the Power Development Department and DISCOMs to implement the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana under the RESCO or Utility-Led Aggregation model for installation of 2 KW rooftop solar systems for AAY households.

The scheme is aimed at providing 200 units of free electricity every month to economically weaker families. The Cabinet also authorised DISCOMs to float Requests for Proposal and undertake further execution of the scheme in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Officials said the initiative is expected to help reduce energy poverty, minimise transmission losses in remote areas, support renewable energy targets and improve access to affordable and sustainable electricity for poor households.