EJAC-R Demands Regularization of Daily Wagers, Clearance of Pensioners’ Dues, and Restoration of Old Pension Scheme
JAMMU, Mar 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC-R) has reiterated its demand for the regularization of daily wagers, casual laborers, and other temporary workers, along with the immediate clearance of all pending SRO-43 and SRO-120 cases. Addressing a joint press conference, senior EJAC-R leaders, including Babu Hussain Malik, Yashpaul Sharma, Bharat Bhushan, Kulwant Singh, and Munish Sharma, expressed concern over the prolonged neglect of these workers’ demands.
The leaders highlighted that thousands of daily wage workers, contractual employees, Home Guards, Rehber-e-Khel teachers, Rehbar-e-Janglat staff, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and helpers have been struggling for years without job security. They urged the government to expedite their regularization without further delay and provide clarity on their future employment status.
Another major demand raised by the union was the immediate release of GP Fund, gratuity, and leave salary bills for recently retired government employees. They revealed that outstanding dues amounting to ₹3,500 crore are pending in over 120 government treasuries across Jammu and Kashmir, causing financial distress to pensioners.
EJAC-R also called for an increase in Medical Allowance and House Rent Allowance (HRA) for employees and pensioners, bringing them on par with central government employees. They further pressed for the immediate implementation of the Minimum Wages Act in Jammu and Kashmir, aligning it with other Union Territories. Additionally, they demanded the rectification of pay anomalies affecting the clerical cadre.
Another significant issue raised was the restoration of two withheld annual increments for employees during their probation period. The leaders strongly urged the government to fulfill its promise of reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring social security for employees post-retirement.
The union leaders emphasized that failure to address these long-standing demands could lead to intensified protests across the Union Territory. They urged the government to take prompt action and provide relief to thousands of affected workers and pensioners.
