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In a historic move that will permanently change the way Delhi's infrastructure is managed and built, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi is set to establish its own engineering cadre. This marks the biggest administrative reform in the department's history, ending decades of dependence on borrowed officers from the CPWD (Central Public Works Department).
According to an official release, until now, PWD has relied on engineers, executive engineers (EEs), superintending engineers (SEs), and junior engineers (JEs) deputed from CPWD or other central agencies. But with the creation of an independent PWD cadre, Delhi will finally have its own permanent, dedicated technical workforce trained, appointed, and promoted under its own rules and oversight. "This is a turning point not just for Delhi PWD, but for the entire city. When engineers are accountable only to the people of Delhi, their performance and commitment automatically rise. We are building a stronger, cleaner, and faster Delhi, and we need our own team to do it," said Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, Delhi's PWD Minister. The proposal for cadre formation has been finalised and will be placed before the Delhi Cabinet in the coming days. Once approved, the PWD will initiate the recruitment and structural realignment process, ensuring that each level, from Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer, is staffed by officers exclusively under Delhi PWD's control. Importantly, all existing CPWD-deputed officers currently serving in Delhi PWD will be given the option to either return to their parent cadre or permanently opt into the new Delhi PWD engineering cadre, subject to conditions set by the department and administrative rules. This reform is expected to increase departmental efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure continuity in leadership and project delivery, something often disrupted by transfers and deputations from CPWD. As per the official release, this reform is important because it creates administrative independence; no more delays or disruptions due to CPWD deputation issues. It also creates project continuity; engineers will stay with long-term projects from start to finish. Skill development as cadre engineers will receive targeted training suited to Delhi's needs. Accountability, a self-governed system ensures better performance tracking and discipline and speed & efficiency, decision-making will be faster and more localised For decades, PWD projects in Delhi, ranging from roads and flyovers to hospitals and government buildings, have been implemented by engineers on deputation from CPWD. These officers often face conflicting loyalties, frequent transfers, and limited accountability to the Delhi government, leading to project delays, cost overruns, and mismanagement. By building its own cadre, the PWD will finally overcome these bottlenecks, ensuring smoother, faster implementation of critical infrastructure works. This structural reform is part of a broader effort by the Delhi PWD to modernise operations. Over the past year, the department has launched initiatives focused on, real-time monitoring of road projects, anti-corruption mechanisms through third-party audits, massive pothole repair and flyover completion drives and drainage and flood management upgrades, the official release states. Now, with the formation of a permanent cadre, the department will be even better positioned to carry out these responsibilities. Once implemented, this change will bring Delhi PWD in line with other modern city infrastructure bodies such as MCD, NDMC, and DDA, which already have dedicated engineering services. This is not just a bureaucratic shift, it's a bold signal that Delhi is serious about delivering world-class infrastructure with world-class accountability. (ANI)
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