Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the Himachal Pradesh government has approved the recruitment of 4,852 posts in the Jal Shakti Department. Chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials on Friday evening, he said the proposal would now be presented before the Cabinet for final approval.
Among the approved posts are 1,726 positions for pump operators, para-pump operators, and para-fitters. Additionally, 4,136 outsourced posts will now be filled through direct departmental recruitment. This move is expected to save the state exchequer approximately Rs. 25 crore annually, as against the current expenditure of Rs. 98 crore on outsourcing through contractors.
The Deputy CM further informed that the recruitment plan includes 111 work inspectors, 100 junior engineers, 505 compassionate appointments, and several hydrologist posts. Of the 505 posts under compassionate grounds, 76 appointments have already been made, with documentation for the remaining posts completed.
In a major policy shift, Agnihotri said that Jal Rakshaks would now be eligible for promotion to pump attendants after eight years of service, instead of the earlier 12-year period. Currently, 1,346 out of 3,486 Jal Rakshaks have already received their promotions. The remaining will be upgraded in a phased manner.
He also announced that pump operators and para-fitters would receive improved salaries, addressing the issue of low monthly pay currently ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000. A new policy for multi-task workers in the department is also being formulated to ensure fair and dignified remuneration.
On broader infrastructural challenges, the Deputy CM said the state government is actively working to restore water supply schemes damaged during the natural disasters of 2023 and 2025. Hundreds of water supply projects were severely affected, leading to cumulative losses of around Rs. 1,476 crore. The worst-hit areas include Mandi, Saraj, and Dharmapur, where damages exceeded Rs. 100 crore.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs. 1,227 crore is still pending from the central government. The Deputy CM said that steps are being taken to seek funds from both central and state sources to revive irrigation and drinking water supply schemes. He also indicated the government is considering re-assuming control of water schemes currently managed by contractors, due to inefficiencies and disaster-related losses.
On the transport front, Agnihotri addressed concerns related to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), stating that 96 HRTC routes are currently operating at a loss, aggravated by service suspensions during the monsoon. He assured that pension disbursements to retired HRTC employees are being made, though with occasional delays. He also appealed to the central government to release the committed Rs. 1,500 crore disaster relief fund in a single installment.
The Deputy CM reiterated the state’s commitment to restore essential services and provide timely support to affected communities, while ensuring better working conditions and fair treatment for departmental staff.
