EJAC Demands Immediate Completion of Handicrafts-Handloom Department Merger to End Employee Hardships

SRINAGAR, Feb 3: The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) has raised grave concerns over the prolonged delay in the merger of the Handicrafts and Handloom Departments, urging the government to address the issue promptly. Despite an official order from the government (Order No. 71-IND of 2020, dated 30-03-2020) mandating the merger, the process remains incomplete, causing significant distress among employees.

Wajahat Hussain Durrani, President of J&K EJAC, expressed frustration over the ongoing stagnation of posts within the departments due to the non-conduct of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs). Employees have been informed repeatedly that their promotions cannot proceed until the merger is fully implemented, which has resulted in stagnation, low morale, and a sense of professional insecurity among dedicated staff members. Many have been unable to advance in their careers for several years, fueling growing resentment.

The delay in finalizing the merger contradicts recent directives from the Chief Secretary of J&K, Atal Dulloo, who had emphasized the importance of regularly conducting DPCs to prevent stagnation within government departments. However, employees of the Handicrafts and Handloom Departments continue to face the same issues, with authorities pointing to the incomplete merger as the primary barrier to their career progression.

In response to these concerns, EJAC has called on Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to take immediate and decisive action to complete the merger and ensure that employees receive their rightful promotions. Durrani emphasized that resolving this issue should be a priority for the government to prevent further injustice to the employees who have suffered due to administrative delays.

EJAC has pledged to stand by the employees of both departments and advocate for their legitimate rights. The organization has urged the government to adopt a structured, transparent approach to the merger, ensuring that the departments function effectively and employees are provided with the career growth opportunities they deserve.

Durrani concluded by stressing that the government must take prompt action to resolve the long-pending issue, both for the welfare of the employees and the overall efficiency of the Handicrafts and Handloom Departments.