Employees Joint Consultative Committee (EJCC) demands regularization of daily wagers and calls for old pension scheme restoration, other issues

SRINAGAR, Oct 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Consultative Committee (EJCC), a coalition of 26 employee associations and unions representing permanent employees from various Government departments in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, today highlighted the pressing issues faced by J&K Government employees.

During a media briefing, EJCC Chairman Aijaz Ahmed Khan extended congratulations to the Omar Abdullah-led government, expressing optimism that the newly formed administration will address the long-pending grievances of government workers. He urged immediate action on key concerns affecting employees across the region.

Khan called for a review of cases involving employees dismissed as “deadwood.” The Government had previously terminated the services of several employees without giving them an opportunity to defend themselves or respond to the allegations, violating the “Principle of Natural Justice.” Khan emphasized the need for a fair re-examination of these cases, allowing employees to present their side of the story and seek justice.

The EJCC also raised concerns about the plight of daily wage workers employed across various Government departments. Khan demanded their regularization and, in the interim, called for extending them the benefits of the “Minimum Wages Guarantee Act” to ensure fair compensation.

Touching on SRO-43, which governs compassionate appointments, Khan urged the Government to roll back recent amendments, restoring the original provisions that ensure job security for the families of deceased or disabled employees. He also stressed the urgent need to resolve the backlog of pending SRO-43 cases, which are currently stalled under the administration of the Lieutenant Governor.

The EJCC further demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, which has already been reinstated in several states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Khan highlighted the critical importance of timely clearance of GP Fund bills, as well as pension benefits such as leave salary, gratuity, and commutation, to safeguard the financial well-being of employees and their families.

Additional demands included increasing the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers employed by the Social Welfare Department, bringing their pay in line with counterparts in other states and union territories. The EJCC also urged the introduction of a five-day workweek across all Government departments and called for the reorganization of these departments to improve efficiency and employee well-being.

Khan also raised the issue of medical reimbursement for employees suffering from life-threatening diseases, calling on the government to implement robust healthcare support systems for workers dealing with severe health conditions.

The EJCC’s comprehensive list of demands reflects the wide range of challenges faced by government employees in Jammu and Kashmir, with hopes that the administration will take swift action to address their concerns.

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