EJAC Calls for 3% DA Hike, Increased Medical Allowance for J&K Employees and Pensioners
Jammu, Dec 17: The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) of Jammu and Kashmir, led by its president Wajahat Hussain Durrani, has called on the Government to release an additional 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees and pensioners, including those still drawing salaries under the 6th Pay Commission.
The demand comes in line with a recent DA increase granted to Central Government employees and aims to provide much-needed financial relief amidst rising inflation. Additionally, EJAC has renewed its plea for the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for all remaining Government departments and Corporations in the region.
In an official statement, EJAC spokesperson Mir Bashir highlighted the growing financial strain on employees and pensioners due to the escalating cost of essential commodities. Provincial EJAC president for Jammu, Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh, reiterated the urgency of the demand, emphasizing that a 3% DA hike is critical to helping workers and retirees cope with inflationary pressures.
“The soaring prices of basic necessities have placed an unprecedented burden on employees and pensioners. This DA hike is not merely a demand; it is a vital step to mitigate their financial struggles,” Sheikh remarked.
The EJAC also called for a significant increase in the Medical Allowance for pensioners, urging the Government to raise it from the current Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 per month to address surging healthcare expenses. “Pensioners, many of whom rely on fixed incomes, are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the rising costs of medical care. The existing allowance is woefully inadequate and demands immediate revision,” Sheikh stated.
Further, EJAC highlighted the unfulfilled promises made to workers in various sectors, including the regularization of daily wagers, casual laborers, and National Youth Corps (NYC) members. Sheikh pressed for the immediate formulation of a comprehensive job policy for employees under the National Health Mission (NHM), Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and seasonal teachers, noting their indispensable contributions to the socio-economic framework of Jammu and Kashmir.
“These workers are the backbone of our public services, and the Government must honor its commitments to regularize their employment and ensure job security,” he asserted.
The EJAC expressed optimism that the Government would address these pressing demands without delay. “The welfare of employees and pensioners is paramount, and we trust that the administration will act swiftly to bring about the necessary reforms,” the statement concluded.
