Srinagar : A meeting was convened by the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) under the chairmanship of Aijaz Ahmad Khan, with the participation of other committee members namely Shabir Ahmad Langoo, Javid Ahmad Akhoon, Khalid Mahmood, Khaja Sajad, Mohd Shafi, Mustafa Khan, Rehmatullah Khan Farooq Ahmad Kawa Mohd Sadiq, Hilal Lone, Aamna Gee, Haji Ab Qayoom Baigh, Reyaz Kar, Shahnawaz Ahmad Ahanger, Saleem Sager, Ishfaq Tailbali, Masood Ahmad Nazki and Mukhtar Ahmad Wani, have recognized and expressed gratitude Chief Minister J & K for taking a favorable decision by his cabinet to release a 3% Dearness Allowances (DA) among the employees. This positive step has been appreciated and has expected that the pending 2% House Rent Allowances (HRA) also will be released shortly. The members have discussed the pressing concerns of government employees in Jammu & Kashmir. The committee raised serious concerns and demanded immediate action from the government on the following issues:
1. Urgent Release of Pending GP Fund: The JCC has strongly urged the government to immediately release the pending General
Provident Fund (GPF) of employees: The GPF is a crucial savings tool that is maintained in the public account and cannot be utilized for other development purposes. The delay of over six months in the disbursement of these funds has caused significant hardship to employees, who rely on these savings for emergencies, medical needs, or important family events such as weddings. The non-release of these funds is causing severe anxiety among employees and disrupting their financial planning. The non disbursement of the GP fund raises serious concerns and puts spotlight on the government’s financial management practice. The situation has raised question about the whereabouts of the fund, which are supposed to be securely held in the Public Account for the benefit of the employees.
2. Release of Gratuity and Post-Retirement Benefits for Retired Employees: The JCC has also raised the issue of delayed payments to retired employees. There are pending bills in the treasury for over six months concerning the disbursement of gratuity and post- retirement benefits. Retired employees, who have given decades of service to the government, are now facing considerable hardships due to the non-release of these payments. The committee has urged the government to expedite the disbursement process to alleviate the difficulties faced by these retired employees.
3. Regularization of Temporary Employees: The JCC has demanded the regularization of all temporary employees, including FP shop dealers, Anganwadi workers, Hamals, casual laborers, Aayas, contingent paid workers in the education department, need-based workers, and employees engaged in various centrally sponsored schemes. These employees have been serving the government for many years, often on minimal wages. Despite their invaluable contribution, they remain in a precarious employment situation. The committee has called for their regularization and, until the process is completed, has urged the government to bring them under the Minimum Guarantee Wages Act. and the wages under this act needs to be enhanced up to Rs. 20000.00 monthly keeping in
view the day to day inflation.
4. Restoration of SRO-43 Rules in its original provisions: The committee has expressed its strong opposition to the recent amendments to SRO-43, a rule that had been in place since its inception. The changes made to this rule are deemed unacceptable and harsh, particularly as it impacts the empowerment of the families of deceased employees, who rely on compassionate appointments as their only source of livelihood. The JCC has urged the government to restore the original provisions of SRO-43.
5. Abolition of the New Pension Scheme and Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme: The JCC has called for the immediate abolition of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the restoration of the old pension scheme. The NPS has raised concerns among employees who are now demanding the return of the old pension system, which provided a more secure and predictable future for them after retirement.
6. Policy for Regularization of Sessional Teachers: The committee has also demanded that a policy be framed for the permanent regularization of sessional teachers. Additionally, it has been observed that during winter vacations, teachers are often engaged in various official duties such as online classes, census work, awareness campaigns, training, surveys, and BLO tasks. The JCC has urged that their leave salary be released, comparable to other government employees who perform such duties.
7. Release of Border Allowance for Employees in Border Areas:
Finally, the JCC has demanded the release of border allowances for employees working in the border areas, recognizing the unique challenges and risks they face in providing essential services in these regions.
The JCC emphasizes that these issues are of urgent importance and must be addressed promptly to ensure the well-being and financial stability of both current and retired employees. The committee has called on the government to take immediate action and fulfill these demands at the earliest.
