Uphold integrity, ensure quality infrastructure: CM to engineers

Srinagar, Jun 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday handed over appointment letters to 132 newly recruited Junior Engineers (Civil) of the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department at a function held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
Addressing the appointees and their families, the Chief Minister described the occasion as a significant milestone in the lives of the young engineers and urged them to view their appointment not merely as a government job but as a solemn responsibility towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Congratulating the new recruits across Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said that the appointment orders represented the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and sacrifices made by their families. He emphasized that public expectations and aspirations were attached to every government appointment and called upon the engineers to discharge their duties with honesty, integrity and professional commitment.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir expect us to use public resources responsibly and deliver quality services and infrastructure. Every rupee spent by the government belongs to the people and must be utilised judiciously for their welfare,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the crucial role of engineers in development, he said that roads, bridges, hospitals and other public assets created today should stand the test of time and serve future generations. He stressed that quality should never be compromised in the execution of public works.
“If a hospital is built, it should serve people for decades. If a bridge is constructed, it should remain strong and reliable for generations. Citizens have every right to expect durable and quality infrastructure from us,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged the newly appointed engineers to remain guided by professional ethics and personal accountability throughout their careers. He said that true satisfaction comes from performing one’s duties honestly and efficiently, adding that every public servant must strive to ensure that they can look back at their day’s work with a sense of fulfilment and integrity.
CM Omar Abdullah observed that the young engineers would play an important role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir over the next three decades of service. He encouraged them to leave behind a legacy of quality work and meaningful contributions to the region’s development.
Referring to the challenges often faced in public service, the Chief Minister said that ideal conditions do not always exist and officers must be prepared to work effectively even in difficult circumstances. He maintained that sincerity of purpose and commitment to public welfare should remain the guiding principles in every situation.
The Chief Minister also advised the new recruits to serve wherever they are posted and avoid seeking transfers immediately after appointments. He urged them to embrace opportunities to work in remote and underserved areas and ensure that people living in far-flung regions receive the same quality of services and infrastructure as those in urban centres.
“Take care of the people living in remote areas. Through your work, leave a lasting mark on Jammu and Kashmir. Let the quality of the roads, bridges and public infrastructure you build become your identity and contribution to society,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, while congratulating the newly appointed Junior Engineers and their families, said that the appointments carried immense responsibility towards the people and development of Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged the engineers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and integrity in their work and stressed that there should be no compromise on quality under any circumstances.
“As Junior Engineers, you will play a vital role in preparation of DPRs, project execution, billing processes, quality testing, monitoring and supervision of developmental works. Ensure that every project entrusted to you is executed with technical excellence and within stipulated timelines,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that the newly recruited engineers would contribute significantly towards improving departmental performance and delivering quality infrastructure to the people.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, also addressed the gathering and congratulated the appointees. He said that their selection was a recognition of their merit and capabilities and described engineers as the backbone of development and nation-building.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Engineer-in-Chief (Secretary Technical), Public Works Department Purshotam Kumar also addressed the gathering and highlighted the important role of engineers in accelerating infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior officers of the Public Works Department, newly appointed engineers and their family members were present on the occasion.