SRINAGAR — The future of over 200 gardeners working in the Floriculture department is at stake as according to them the authorities have never been promoted, claiming that the highly educated persons among them are presently holding the key positions.
The Qualified Gardeners Association (QGA) said that at least 250 gardeners are presently working in the floriculture department.
They said that scores of highly qualified youth have even been given the responsibilities of Junior Assistant, Senior Assistant and much more, but despite serving at different posts, the designations and monthly salary continues to remain the same as Gardner.
“One fails to understand why the gardeners are not being promoted when they serve at the different posts,” one of the employees said, adding that they have approached the higher authorities several times in the past, but all in vain.
“The department should take immediate steps to promote us so that our sufferings would come to an end,” they added.
Meanwhile, Director Floriculture, Farooq Ahmad Rather told KNO that they have already forwarded their DPC to the higher ups and hopefully some among them would be promoted.
“The gardeners can be promoted as head gardeners, but there are only few posts available,” he said, adding that they are looking to increase the Head Gardener posts for their wellbeing.
However, he refuted the claims of gardeners about holding different key positions, saying that how is possible that a Gardener would be able to hold the post of Junior Assistant and Senior Assistant. — (KNO)