Lucknow: In a significant administrative reform move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday approved a five-fold increase in the financial powers of Public Works Department (PWD) officers, marking the first such revision in three decades. The change, long overdue since 1995, has been introduced in view of rising construction costs and the need to expedite project execution across the state.
First Revision Since 1995
According to officials, the financial powers of PWD engineers were last revised in 1995, even though construction costs have risen nearly five times between 1995 and 2025. The proposal to revise the limits was discussed during a recent administrative review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister.
The revised structure aims to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce procedural delays, and improve transparency in approving and executing civil, electrical, and mechanical works.
New Financial Powers Across Ranks
Under the revised system, the financial authority of officers has been substantially increased across all levels of the department:
- Chief Engineer – Can now approve works up to ₹10 crore (earlier limit: ₹2 crore)
- Superintending Engineer – Can now sanction projects up to ₹5 crore
- Executive Engineer – Limit raised from ₹40 lakh to ₹2 crore
- Assistant Engineer – Empowered to sanction minor works and approve tenders
Officials clarified that while financial powers for civil works have been increased by up to five times, the powers for electrical and mechanical works have been doubled, considering their distinct cost dynamics.
Cadre Restructuring in Electrical and Mechanical Wings
Alongside the financial reforms, the Chief Minister also approved a restructuring of the Electrical and Mechanical cadres under the Uttar Pradesh Engineer Service (PWD) (Higher) Rules, 1990.
As part of the restructuring:
- A new post of Chief Engineer (Level-1) has been introduced.
- The number of Chief Engineer (Level-2) and Superintending Engineer posts has been increased.
- The promotion policy, sources, and pay scales will now be aligned with the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations.
Promotions to the Chief Engineer (Level-1) post will be based on seniority from Level-2, ensuring a clear and merit-based progression framework.
Focus on Timely, Transparent Governance
In an official statement, CM Adityanath underscored the importance of the PWD in state development, noting that timely execution, technical quality, and transparent governance are essential for improving infrastructure outcomes.
“As the PWD plays a vital role in the state’s progress, a transparent service rule system and merit-driven promotion framework are crucial to enhance efficiency, technical quality, and the department’s service spirit,” the Chief Minister said.
Officials said the reforms are expected to speed up project approvals, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve accountability across the department’s engineering cadres.
Background
The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department is one of the state’s oldest and most critical departments, responsible for constructing and maintaining public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and government buildings. With rising project volumes and costs, the revision of financial powers after three decades is expected to significantly modernize the department’s decision-making framework.
