Contractors Association Lash Out at Works Minister Over ‘Suspicious’ PWD Transfers in Pir Panjal

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

FROM EDITOR DESK 

RAJOURI FEBRUARY 25:-A storm of controversy has erupted in the Public Works Department (PWD) following the sudden transfer of several Executive Engineers in the Pir Panjal region during the closing days of the financial year. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Pir Panjal Contractors Association, which has openly questioned the transparency and intent behind the decision.

The Association has raised serious concerns over the role of the Works Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister. The contractors allege that the timing and selection of transfers cast a “big question mark” on the honesty and efficiency of the department’s leadership.
According to the Association, Executive Engineers from key divisions — Thanamandi-Darhal, Kalakote, and Rajouri — have been transferred abruptly at a time when departments are rushing to complete projects and clear bills before the financial year ends. Contractors argue that such unexpected reshuffles disrupt ongoing developmental works and create administrative chaos.

In a strongly worded statement, Shafqat Ramzan President of the Pir Panjal Contractors Association condemned the transfers, describing them as “arbitrary and suspicious.” The Association alleged that the selective nature of the transfers “smells of corruption” and demanded immediate clarification from the government.

The contractors further claimed that the region is already suffering due to the non-availability of funds across various works departments. They alleged that instead of addressing financial bottlenecks and ensuring timely payments to contractors, the department has engaged in abrupt administrative changes that only deepen uncertainty.

“The closing days of the financial year are not an appropriate time for such transfers. This move has raised serious doubts among stakeholders and has affected the smooth execution of developmental works in the Pir Panjal region,” the spokesperson said.

The Association has demanded an immediate review of the transfer orders and sought transparency in the decision-making process. It warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, they may be compelled to launch protests.

The issue has now intensified political debate in the region, with contractors seeking accountability and clarity from the Works Department over what they term as “selective and questionable transfers.”