KARACHI:
The exclusion of agricultural engineering graduates from jobs in the Irrigation Department is deeply concerning. Agricultural engineering is a specialised field that covers thirteen courses related to irrigation, drainage, hydrology, hydraulics, soil, and water conservation and management. In contrast, civil engineering graduates only learn five to six courses related to irrigation and drainage during their studies. This indicates that agricultural engineers are equally, if not more, capable of applying engineering principles to irrigation, drainage, soil and water resource management.
The irrigation department is responsible for managing water resources for agriculture and requires professionals with the necessary skills and expertise to design, develop, and implement efficient and sustainable irrigation systems. Agricultural engineers possess the required skills and knowledge to fulfil this requirement. It is a pity that agricultural engineering graduates are not allowed to compete with civil engineers for jobs in the department despite having the qualifications.
This is an unfair and unjustified practice as agricultural engineers have spent years studying irrigation and water management principles and practices. Excluding agricultural engineers from the competition for jobs deprives them of the fundamental right of competition, despite their expertise, knowledge, skill, and talent, leading to unemployment and underutilisation of resources. I request the Chief Minister of Sindh, the Minister of Irrigation, the Irrigation Secretary, and relevant policymakers to review the policy and allow agricultural engineers to compete for jobs in the irrigation department through the public service commission.
Dr Altaf Siyal
Tandojam
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2023.
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