Dead Engineers on Transfer List Trigger Row in J&K PDD; ‘Human Error’ Cited, Probe Demanded

Jammu, April 22:
In a startling administrative lapse, the Power Development Department (PDD) of Jammu and Kashmir has come under fire after two deceased Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) were found listed among 82 officials transferred in a recent government order issued on April 15.
The transfer order, issued by the Administrative Secretary of the department, included the names of Anita Karalia and Pawan Dev Singh—both no longer alive—raising serious concerns over the credibility and scrutiny of the process. The list was formally endorsed and circulated, with all 82 AEEs directed to assume their new postings immediately.
Further compounding the controversy, at least six AEEs were posted to locations where no vacancies existed. Officials already holding those positions had reportedly been transferred earlier through internal adjustments, leading to overlapping postings and confusion on the ground. As a result, several transferred engineers have been unable to join their assigned stations.
Senior officials in the department have acknowledged the lapse, terming it a “human error” caused by a communication gap and outdated records. According to sources, one of the deceased engineers had passed away recently while the transfer file was still under process, and the information was not updated in time. The department has indicated that while the order will not be rescinded, corrective measures will be undertaken to address discrepancies and adjust postings accordingly.
However, the explanation has done little to quell public outrage. Citizens and insiders alike have questioned the transparency and intent behind the transfer process. Allegations of favoritism and possible monetary influence have surfaced, with claims that due diligence regarding service records, tenure, and personal circumstances of officers was overlooked.
Sources within the department have also hinted at irregularities, alleging that some officers were aware of their impending transfers even before the official list was released—fueling suspicions of pre-decided arrangements.
The incident has not only exposed procedural lapses but also raised broader questions about governance standards within the department. Many have called for the cancellation of the entire transfer list and initiation of a fresh, transparent process to restore credibility and ensure fairness.
As the PDD moves to implement “course correction,” the episode stands as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and robust administrative checks in public service operations.