Board member (administration) S K Nanda told Express Newsline that the promotions were temporary, only for a year.

About 300 posts of deputy engineers in the reserved category were lying vacant for the last several years, as the Board could not find suitable candidates. The 100 were hence promoted so as to ensure smooth functioning of the Board.

According to sources, promotions of junior engineers was also being considered in the sub-divisions having an annual revenue of Rs 1.50 crore.

Besides, the Board had recently posted three chief engineers at Ukai, Wanakbori and Dhuvaran power stations. Promotion orders of 19 superintending engineers were also issued. The Board also promoted 92 deputy engineers as executive engineers.

Nanda claimed the changes would help in better administration and reducing public complaints, particularly in case of billings.