.jpg)
JAMMU, July 01: The Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) has expressed strong resentment over the withholding of salaries of engineers of the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited over the alleged slow progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and demanded immediate revocation of the orders.
A meeting of the JKEEGA Executive Body was held in Jammu under the chairmanship of its president, Sachin Tickoo, to discuss the issue.
The association took serious note of the orders issued by the Managing Director, JPDCL, withholding the salaries of one Executive Engineer and three Assistant Executive Engineers following a review of the scheme’s progress across JPDCL circles, divisions and subdivisions.
JKEEGA stated that while the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship programme aimed at promoting rooftop solar power, JPDCL engineers are already handling multiple responsibilities, including reduction of AT&C losses under RDSS, smart metering, CAPEX works, AAY/BPL schemes, revenue collection and maintenance of the power distribution network.
The association alleged that the punitive action ignored the efforts of engineers working under challenging conditions, including extreme weather, shortage of manpower, ageing infrastructure, low consumer affordability in rural areas and limited support from the district administration in promoting the scheme.
JKEEGA also pointed out that the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) recently secured second place nationally in May 2026 for rooftop solar applications, installations and inspections, reflecting the overall performance of the power sector in implementing the scheme.
The association reiterated its demand that the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) should play the lead role in promoting and implementing the scheme in coordination with JPDCL and KPDCL.
Warning of further action, JKEEGA urged the Managing Director to immediately withdraw the salary-withholding orders, stating that failure to do so within a fortnight would compel the association to convene its Guidance Council and launch protests across Jammu and Kashmir.
|