Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 20: J&K Lower Grade Employees Union (LGEU) of Civil Secretariat today discussed the burning issues of the Secretariat employees here.
In an emergency meeting held today, the employees of the Union deliberated upon the various issues including unhygienic environment, arbitrary allotment orders issued by the Estates Department, Jammu, which have caused deep resentment, distress, and a sense of institutional exclusion among lower grade employees.
The Union alleged that during recent allotment orders issued by the Estates Department, not even a single unit of Government accommodation has been allotted to any member of the lower grade cadre. This glaring omission conveys discriminatory impression, as if lower grade employees—despite being an indispensable pillar of Government functioning—are not considered part of the system.
It said lower grade employees, having limited resources, are unable to afford private accommodation at the prevailing exorbitant rates. Contrary to the norms and policy framework in vogue, no representation whatsoever has been extended to this marginalized section, while accommodation has reportedly been allotted to select individuals in a non-transparent and arbitrary manner.
Te Union further claimed that the hygienic condition in the Civil Secretariat is very poor. The drinking water is unsafe and not fit for use. Cleaning and sanitation work is not being carried out properly. The sanitation tender expired one year ago, and no proper action has been taken since then. It is unclear whether the tender was ever granted an extension. The same situation is true with Government Colonies. Due to this negligence, sanitation and hygiene conditions have deteriorated seriously.
The Union unanimously resolved to seek personal intervention of Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, to redress this injustice, to put an immediate end to the step-motherly treatment being meted out to lower grade employees.
Follow our WhatsApp channel