HR in govt departments needs a revamp, J-K administration looks for tech upgrade

The Chief Secretary emphasised that addressing human resource issues of employees is as critical as other administrative priorities. He observed that neglecting matters such as promotions and recruitment rules negatively impacts employee morale and overall departmental performance.

Highlighting the role of technology in governance, he underscored the need for an IT-based mechanism to make these processes transparent, efficient, and time-bound.

To take reforms forward, the Chief Secretary directed the constitution of a committee chaired by the Principal Secretary, PWD, with Commissioner Secretary, GAD, and Commissioner Secretary, ARI & Training, as members. The committee has been tasked with working out the modalities for early implementation of the system.

He also directed the ARI & Training Department to build capacity of officers by organising training programmes once the system is rolled out. The aim should be to create a system that is not only efficient and transparent but employee-friendly, too, he noted.

Principal Secretary, PWD, Anil Kumar Singh, outlining the proposed arrangements, said that the upcoming online system is anticipated to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and provide a time-bound framework for these crucial administrative processes.

The system is expected to provide unique proposal IDs and department-specific dashboards for real-time submission and tracking. It would also enshrine in itself the online uploading of checklists and draft documents, besides sending automated alerts to notify departments of pending actions and deadlines.

Moreover, it was highlighted that the smooth functioning of this portal demands the appointment and training of nodal officers in each department by ARI & Training Department, along with the creation of a centralised digital repository of all recruitment rules.

A detailed timeline was presented in the meeting. The process will include a preliminary review within 15 days, followed by examination and final recommendations in a set timeframe.