NAWABSHAH, Oct 7: Some 42 engineers of Sindh Irrigation and Power Department have sought the attention of authorities over deputation of non-technical officers on key posts and posting of juniors on senior positions.

In an appeal sent to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Irrigation Department high-ups, they said that the posting of most junior officers at senior posts was depriving the deserving ones of their rights. Those who voiced their concern included Mohammed Soomar Chanhio, Sardar Ali Shah, Naila Rahim and others.

A non-technical and unconcerned officer of the Sui Southern Gas Company has been inducted as Executive Engineer of one of the largest canals of the country in Rohri division. The officer inducted does not hold the required qualification of a Civil Engineer meant for the post, they said. The position they added entails purely a Civil Engineer trained to maintain the intricate regulation of water.

Another position in question was of a graduate in chemical discipline from the SSGCL inducted as Project Director at Chotiariyoon Reservoir Project, they said pointing out that again the post was purely meant for a graduate in Civil Engineering. This had created awe and apprehension among engineers of the Irrigation Department while some were toeing political influence to get shoulder promotions thus jolting the rights of the deserving candidates, they said.

They appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and high-ups of the Irrigation Department to take notice of such injustices and direct concerned ministry to cancel these appointments.