Irrigation promotions stalled, hit GO 32 hurdle

metro india news I hyderabad

The process of promotions for employees in the Irrigation Department has once again become controversial. Employee circles widely believe that GO 32 has become a major obstacle for staff who have been waiting years for promotions.

While key posts in the department remain vacant, eligible employees with the required qualifications and seniority are not receiving promotions, leading to growing dissatisfaction. Employees say that when efforts are made to move the promotion process forward, issues related to GO 32 provisions, seniority matters, and objections from unions keep surfacing. Staff belonging to various cadres in the Irrigation Department have been waiting for years for their next-level promotions.

Despite possessing seniority and eligibility, the delays force them to continue in the same post for extended periods. This affects not only their official status but also pay and allowances, service benefits, and future higher opportunities. Some employees note that juniors who joined service later are receiving promotions while they themselves remain stuck at the same level, creating mental distress as well. GO 32 Creating Complications.  GO 32 has emerged as a critical factor in the Irrigation Department’s promotion process.

Preparing promotion lists requires clarity on seniority, cadre-wise vacancies, eligibility, and the implementation of rules. Explanations and objections related to GO 32 are delaying the process, according to employee groups. Once the promotion process begins, objections arise, clarifications are sought, and discussions with concerned associations take place—sending the matter back to square one. As a result, even eligible employees’ promotions remain pending. Objections from certain employee associations and unions, alongside GO 32, are also affecting the process.

Employees maintain that any objections on seniority, cadre allotment, or filling of posts must be resolved as per the rules. However, holding up the entire promotion process because of issues concerning a few employees is causing loss to those who face no disputes. They demand that problematic cases be resolved separately so that the remaining eligible staff can receive promotions. Waiting for Fulfilment of CM’s Promise

Irrigation employees recall that when objections were raised earlier against GO 32, the Chief Minister had assured that the matter of withdrawing it would be examined and necessary action taken. Even after a change of government, the issue remains unresolved. Employees are questioning why a decision has still not been taken despite the CM’s promise to scrap the GO. They urge the government to decide on the matter immediately in line with that assurance and to follow a clear policy on promotions. Seniority, eligibility, vacancies, roster, and other aspects should be examined as per rules so that every eligible employee receives promotion.

They express anguish that if any legal or administrative issues exist, specific steps should be taken to resolve them—but freezing the entire promotion process until then harms employees’ careers. Filling key vacant posts through promotions would also improve administrative efficiency. Continued delays leave vacancies unfilled and increase the workload on lower-level staff. Given the ongoing critical work related to projects, canals, reservoirs, and water management in the Irrigation Department, timely promotions for experienced personnel are essential, they say. Call for Final Decision.

Employees are demanding that a high-level decision on GO 32 be taken without further delay. They have appealed to the Irrigation Minister and Secretary to give special attention to the matter and hold meetings with employee associations and senior officials. A comprehensive review should be conducted on the problems arising from GO 32, the cadres where promotions are pending, locations of seniority disputes, and any legal hurdles, so that a solution can be worked out. Promotion is not merely an elevation in status; it is recognition of years of service.

It is linked to improved pay and allowances, future service benefits, and opportunities to take on higher responsibilities. Years of pending promotions are increasing dissatisfaction among staff. At a time when the government is focusing on employee welfare, administrative reforms, and enhancing departmental efficiency, the promotion issues in the Irrigation Department should also be resolved, they urge. The government must take a clear decision on GO 32—either scrap it completely or make necessary changes so that it does not hinder employee promotions.