Acute staff shortage hits PWD work in Shimla

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 22

An acute shortage of staff is hampering working at the Public Works Department (PWD), which is often under criticism for a delay in the completion of works.

As many as 11,710 posts out of the sanctioned strength of 41,659 are lying vacant. No replacement is being given for employees who retire.

Out of the 28,893 posts of Class IV employees, 8,269 are vacant. The PWD is getting most of the works, including whitewash, paint and minor repair work, done through contractors.

The position of Class III employees is no better as of 11,778 posts, 3,335 are vacant. These include 584 posts of mason, 250 of JEs, 91 of carpenters, 383 of junior mechanic and 165 posts of blacksmith. Owing to this shortage, work at the field level has been badly affected.

Even at the top level, 67 of 625 Class I posts are vacant. Three posts of executive engineer, one of architect and 41 posts of assistant engineers are also vacant.

However, the situation is better in the case of Class II posts, wherein only 40 out of 363 sanctioned posts are vacant. These include 12 posts of head draftsman and 11 posts of superintendent (Grade II). Although engineers and other employees have been recruited on a contractual basis, they are being paid less than that of regular ones. This has created a resentment among the employees.

“With 28 per cent posts lying vacant, the delay in works is obvious. The government should immediately fill at least some posts,” said a retired employee from the department.