Delhi govt plans to create its own engineering cadre under PWD

Indian Express

5 days ago

In a major administrative reform, the Delhi government is planning to create its engineering cadre under the Public Works Department (PWD). At present, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) deputes engineers to the PWD to carry out works.
Officials said a proposal in this regard has been finalised and will be presented before the Cabinet for approval. 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, the department said in a statement.
'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,' PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said.
According to officials, till now, PWD has relied upon engineers, executive engineers, superintending engineers, and junior engineers deputed from the CPWD. 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. With this, the state government will have full control over its engineers and officials.
'Now, even if the minister or the government wants to take action against any engineer, they cannot do so… They have to seek approval from L-G and CPWD… CPWD then approves and takes further action… Further, in Delhi, engineers are transferred out of Delhi once in three years… Due to this, many projects get delayed, there are cost overruns and mismanagement…,' said a senior official, adding that under the new proposal, transfers will happen within the Capital only.
'By building its own cadre, the PWD will finally overcome these bottlenecks, ensuring smoother, faster implementation of critical infrastructure works… This change will bring the Delhi PWD in line with other modern city infrastructure bodies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Development Authority, which already have dedicated engineering services,' the statement said.
According to officials, this move will provide administrative independence and ensure there are no delays or disruptions due to CPWD deputation. Engineers will stay with long-term projects from start to finish, and cadre engineers will receive targeted training suited to Delhi's needs, the statement said.
Officials further said once the proposal is implemented, 'all existing CPWD-deputed officers currently serving in Delhi PWD will be given the option to either return to their parent cadre or permanently join the new Delhi PWD engineering cadre, subject to conditions set by the department and administrative rules'.