Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Accounts Subordinate Service have appealed to the Chief Minister of the Union Territory to address their long-standing grievance regarding the stagnation of Assistant Accounts Officers (AAOs) and their delayed elevation to the position of Accounts Officers (AOs).
In a representation, submitted to the Chief Minister, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Dot Com, the AAOs highlighted that they have been stuck in the same position for over 12 years, with many now nearing retirement without a single promotion.
The letter stated the adverse impact of such prolonged stagnation on their careers, morale, and financial well-being.
The AAOs pointed out that there are over 35 vacant positions of AOs under the promotion quota, which, if filled, would not only alleviate their plight but also improve the efficiency of the Finance Department. Currently, the shortage of AOs has led to additional workloads being assigned to existing officers, causing stress and hampering productivity.
The representation also stated the standard practice of placing officers in in-charge capacities against available vacancies, a procedure that has been followed in both the erstwhile state and the current UT administration. The AAOs urged the Chief Minister to direct the Finance Department to expedite the elevation of eligible AAOs to AO positions on an in-charge basis, strictly adhering to seniority and without any financial implications.
The officers stated that if their demands are not fulfilled, they will have no choice but to opt for mass voluntary retirement due to their disappointment with the strategies of the concerned department and its failure to address the pressing issue of stagnation.
The letter concluded with an appeal for justice and immediate intervention, expressing hope that the Chief Minister’s leadership would usher in a new era of financial discipline and effective management in the UT.
