Delhi PWD Seeks Centre Nod to Create Independent Engineering Cadre
The Public Works Department has sought a no-objection certificate from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to establish its own dedicated engineering cadre, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. The move is aimed at ending the department's dependence on the Central Public Works Department for deputed engineers and administrative decisions on postings and transfers.
The finalised proposal, which is expected to be placed before the Delhi cabinet for formal approval, outlines a permanent technical workforce for the PWD. The planned cadre structure will encompass engineering roles ranging from junior engineer up to chief engineer, all operating under the department's own administrative rules.
According to officials, the department plans to write to the Union Public Service Commission to conduct state-level examinations to recruit engineers. Senior positions across the department will subsequently be filled through promotions through the ranks.
Currently, the PWD relies on engineers deputed from the CPWD and other central agencies to design and execute infrastructure works, including roads, flyovers, hospitals, and government buildings. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma stated that the creation of an independent cadre will improve accountability, performance, and commitment for the city's infrastructure projects.
Under the proposed arrangement, CPWD-deputed officers currently serving in the Delhi PWD will have the option to either return to their parent cadre or permanently transfer into the PWD's new engineering cadre, subject to conditions prescribed under applicable administrative regulations.
Officials said the reform will bring the PWD on par with other major civic agencies in the capital, such as the Delhi Development Authority, the New Delhi Municipal Council, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, all of which maintain dedicated engineering structures. The dedicated cadre is intended to improve project continuity by avoiding disruptive personnel transfers while the department carries out ongoing road redevelopment, flyover construction, and drainage works.
