The Public Works Department ( PWD ) has sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs ( MoHUA ) to create its own engineering cadre, a move aimed at ending its dependence on the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for deputing engineers and deciding their postings and transfers, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday.
At present, the PWD largely depends on engineers deputed from CPWD and other central agencies for executing infrastructure projects, including roads, flyovers, hospitals and government buildings. “This is a turning point not just for Delhi ’s PWD, but for the entire city. When engineers are accountable only to the people of Delhi, their performance and commitment automatically rise. The proposed cadre structure is intended to give the department greater administrative independence and ensure continuity in implementing long-term infrastructure projects. The Delhi Development Authority ( DDA ), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi ( MCD ) have dedicated engineering structures for managing infrastructure and civic works.
We are building a stronger, cleaner, and faster Delhi, and we need our own team to do it,” said PWD minister Parvesh Verma . Officials said the proposal would also enable the PWD to recruit, train and promote engineers under its own rules. Officials said the move would also bring the PWD on a similar footing with other major civic agencies in Delhi that have their own engineering wings.
Officials said the department will write to the UPSC to conduct state-level exams to appoint engineers, while senior positions will eventually be filled through promotions in the ranks.
The proposal, which has been finalised and is expected to be placed before the Delhi cabinet for approval, envisages a permanent technical workforce for the PWD, with engineers ranging from junior engineer to chief engineer working under the department’s own cadre structure.
