Budgam, Apr 24 (JKNS): Farmers from the Utligam area of Beerwah in Budgam district staged a silent protest on Friday against the acute shortage of staff at the Zonal Agriculture Office Utligam.
The protesters stated that the office is currently functioning without essential staff, including a computer operator and other key personnel, causing serious inconvenience to farmers. They highlighted that the zone comprises nearly 45 villages, and due to the staff shortage, the delivery of agricultural services has been significantly delayed.
An elderly resident of Utligam, Ghulam Mohammad Pala, appealed to MLA Beerwah Dr. Mohammad Shafi and the district administration Budgam to intervene immediately in the matter. He said that the absence of basic staff in the office has created severe hardships for locals, especially farmers.
Locals further pointed out that several important posts remain vacant, including Zonal Incharge, Junior Engineer (JEO), helper, and storekeeper.
They demanded that at least four be appointed immediately to ensure smooth functioning of the office and timely resolution of public issues.
The protesters urged the concerned authorities to fill the vacant positions at the earliest so that agricultural services can be restored without further delay. (JKNS)