Sajid Raina
Srinagar: Several Tourism Development Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are operating with minimal staff. The government informed the Assembly on Monday in response to a question.
In the house, it was revealed that some authorities have as few as two to four employees, making it challenging to manage operations effectively.
The total number of employees across all Tourism Development Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 727. Out of these, 449 employees (61.76%) are casual labourers, highlighting a heavy reliance on temporary staffing. This imbalance raises concerns over long-term workforce stability and the operational efficiency of these tourism bodies.
Among the most understaffed bodies, the Shopian-Dubjan-Peer-ki-Gali Development Authority has only two employees, while the Hygam Nigli Development Authority operates with just eight casual laborers.
The Tosamaidan Development Authority reported having no staff at all.
Even larger tourism bodies struggle with manpower shortages. The Sonamarg Development Authority operates with a total of 75 employees, including one Chief Executive Officer, one Accounts Officer, one Senior Assistant, two Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), and 70 Casual Laborers.
The Pahalgam Development Authority, managing one of Kashmir’s major tourist destinations, has a more diverse workforce of 172 employees, including one Chief Executive Officer, one Accounts Officer, one Accounts Assistant, one Head Assistant, two Senior Assistants, three Junior Assistants, one Sts. Assistant and various technical staff such as a store assistant, Khilafwarzi Inspector, works supervisor, and a plumber. It also has two drivers, two road supervisors, six Road Guards, seven Chowkidars, five Orderlies, one sweeper, and one helper to a plumber. Additionally, 80 Helpers and 49 Casual Labourers make up a significant portion of its workforce.
The Verinag Development Authority has only 63 employees, while Doodhpathri Development Authority operates with 51 staff members, including 35 casual labourers.
The Kokernag Development Authority operates with a limited workforce, including one Chief Executive Officer, one Accounts Assistant, one Senior Assistant, and one Sts. Assistant, and one Driver (Grade-II). Additionally, it has two Multi-Tasking staff (MTS) members and 64 casual labourers, bringing the total staff strength to 71.
The Patnitop Development Authority has a staff strength that includes one Chief Executive Officer, one accounts officer, one head assistant, one senior assistant, and one junior stenographer. Additionally, it has two Khilafwarzi Inspectors, two Junior Assistants, one Driver, and ten Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS).
The Lolab-Bangus-Drangyari Development Authority has a small team, including one Chief Executive Officer, one Junior Assistant, one Driver, and one Orderly, bringing its total staff to four.
The Manasbal Development Authority operates with one Chief Executive Officer, one Head Assistant, one Junior Stenographer, one Junior Assistant, two Orderlies, and 62 Casual Laborers, making a total of 72 employees.
The Manasbal Development Authority operates with one Chief Executive Officer, one Head Assistant, one Junior Stenographer, one Junior Assistant, two Orderlies, and 62 Casual Laborers, making a total of 72 employees.
The Yousmarg Development Authority consists of one Chief Executive Officer, one accounts officer, one Head Assistant, one Sts. Assistant, two Junior Assistants, one Driver, one Orderly, and 20 Casual Labourers, with a total workforce of 30 employees.
The Aharbal Development Authority has a total of 31 employees, including one Accounts Assistant, one Sts. Assistant, three junior assistants, one driver, and 25 casual labourers.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar Development Authority consists of one Accounts Officer, one Head Assistant, one Senior Assistant, one Driver, and one Orderly, bringing its total workforce to five employees.
The Rajouri Development Authority has a total of 20 employees, including one Head Assistant, one Junior Assistant, one Driver, one Accounts Officer, one Junior Assistant, two Orderlies, and 12 Casual Laborers, along with four consolidated staff members.
The Poonch Development Authority operates with one Accounts Officer, one Accounts Assistant, one Senior Assistant, and 11 Need-Based workers, bringing its total workforce to 14 employees.(KNO).
