Mohammad Hazik
Srinagar, June 19 — Allegations of favoritism, lobbyism, and stagnation have surfaced from within the Agriculture Department, raising red flags about the department’s administrative transparency and overall institutional integrity.
A group of officers, primarily from the 2008 batch, are allegedly at the center of what insiders describe as a “hijack” of postings and privileges—backed by an inner circle that has remained largely unshuffled for over a decade.
At the heart of the controversy is Joint Director Inputs, Mr. Sartaj Shah, who is reportedly being groomed by a close-knit coterie to ascend to the coveted position of Director Agriculture. Insiders allege that this group of officers has not only avoided rural or hardship postings but has also consolidated influence in urban centers, particularly Srinagar, by leveraging political proximity and departmental favoritism.
Officers frequently named in departmental murmurs include Javaid Shah, Amarjit Singh, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Aijaz Mir, Shoukat Qazi, and Syed Gulzar. Sources claim that many of them have not been transferred for many years —an anomaly in a department where routine transfers are expected to ensure equity and rotation.
“These individuals enjoy uninterrupted postings in prime locations, while others from the same batch, especially those from reserved categories, are repeatedly sidelined,” said a senior officer on the condition of anonymity. “This is not just unfair—it is unethical and deeply demoralizing.”
Transparency in Transfers Missing
The lack of a consistent and rational transfer policy has left many employees disillusioned. In recent orders, a number of officers have been transferred without being assigned any new posts. As a result, these officers are left in a state of uncertainty, moving from pillar to post in pursuit of their new assignments and salary disbursement.
This situation is not only causing undue hardship to the officers but is also adversely impacting the overall workflow and efficiency of the departments they serve. The absence of timely posting instructions leads to delays in administrative functions and affects public service delivery.Additionally, some employees have been posted without sanctioned positions or salary provisions—creating confusion, professional insecurity, and administrative gridlock.
It has been observed that in recent transfer orders, a number of officers have been relieved from their previous positions without being assigned any subsequent postings. As a result, these officers are left in a state of uncertainty, moving from pillar to post in pursuit of their new assignments and salary disbursement.This situation is not only causing undue hardship to the officers but is also adversely impacting the overall workflow and efficiency of the departments they serve. The absence of timely posting instructions leads to delays in administrative functions and affects public service delivery.
What further complicates the situation is the silence of the Agricultural Technocrats Welfare Association (ATWA), whose leadership, critics allege, has failed to speak out against the growing disparity.
Stalled Promotions, Overburdened Staff
Another major concern remains the long-overdue Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs), some pending for nearly 20 years. Several senior officials are on the verge of retirement without having received a single promotion throughout their career—a fact that starkly contradicts service rules and expectations.Many field officers, meanwhile, continue to manage additional charges across multiple locations, often without adequate staff or logistical support.
“Handling dual charges has become the norm rather than the exception,” lamented another employee. “It affects service delivery and compromises accountability.”
Procurement and Policy: Seeds of Doubt
Equally alarming are allegations regarding the procurement of substandard seeds and fertilizers. Some input agencies are believed to have been involved in questionable purchases, allegedly backed by influential officials. Given the direct impact of these supplies on crop yields and farmer trust, calls for an audit and quality-control review are growing louder.
Leadership Void and Administrative Paralysis
Vacant positions of Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) in several districts have added to the confusion. Without decisive leadership at the district level, decision-making remains slow, file movement delayed, and coordination fractured. The Directorate, supposed to be the nerve center of agricultural governance, appears ill-equipped to handle the increasing volume of internal grievances.
A Call for Urgent Reforms
From arbitrary transfers to favoritism in postings and opaque procurement practices, the Agriculture Department appears to be battling a credibility crisis. Without immediate intervention, experts fear that the morale of sincere officers and the effectiveness of service delivery to farmers could face irreversible damage.Stakeholders across the department are calling for a high-level probe, transparency in transfer policies, regular DPCs, and a commitment to meritocracy. “We are not targeting individuals—we are asking for fairness,” said an official who has served in remote locations for over a decade.
If the system continues to cater to a select few, the very foundation of institutional equity and public trust may collapse.