Udaipur: Nearly a year after the Udaipur Development Authority (UDA) replaced the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT), 65.3 percent of its sanctioned positions remain vacant. Out of the total 268 approved posts, only 93 have been filled, leaving 175 positions unoccupied. Currently, just 75 officers and staff are managing the entire workload of the UDA.
Since becoming UDA, the city’s geographical area, responsibilities, and scope of projects have significantly increased. However, the number of officials and employees has not grown as required.
As a result, the pressure of tasks such as map approvals, layout sanctions, encroachment removal, monitoring development works, and grievance redressal falls on a limited number of officers and staff. UDA officials say they also hire services from placement agencies as needed to fill gaps.
Manpower Status
– Of four suitable RAS officer posts, two remain vacant.
– One post of Director of Engineering (Chief Engineer) is empty.
– One Additional Chief Engineer (Civil) position is also vacant.
– Out of six Executive Engineer (Civil) posts, two are unfilled.
– Only four out of 24 Junior Engineer (Civil) positions are occupied; 20 remain vacant.
– All six Junior Engineer (Electrical) posts are empty.
– Several vacancies exist in the Accounts section, including Assistant and Senior Account Officers.
– All six posts for Senior and Junior Law Officers remain vacant.
– Multiple posts of Town Planner, Deputy Town Planner, and Assistant Town Planner are unfilled.
Administrative and Field Staff Also Incomplete
– Only two out of 25 Junior Assistant positions are filled.
– Nine of 11 driver posts remain vacant.
– Twelve of 22 fourth-grade staff positions are unoccupied.
– Posts such as Information Assistant, Garden Inspector, and Assistant Garden Inspector have remained vacant for a long time.
Police Force Posts Approved, But Most Remain Vacant
UDA lacks its own police force to tackle illegal constructions, encroachments, and land mafias. This absence poses risks to the security of UDA officials and the maintenance of law and order. Although 11 police posts have been sanctioned for UDA, appointments have not been made except for one RPS officer recently.
The remaining posts, including constables, are still awaiting recruitment. Maintaining law and order during encroachment removal is a major challenge for UDA, often accompanied by protests, disturbances, and political pressure. Operating without a dedicated police force on-site increases risks significantly.