Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 17: Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), Jammu and Kashmir, under the leadership of president Wajahat Hussain Durrani, has urged the Government to release an additional 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees and pensioners, including those drawing salaries under the 6th Pay Commission.
This demand aligns with the recent DA hike announced by the Central Government for its employees. EJAC also reiterated its call for the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for the remaining Government departments and Corporations.
In a press statement issued by EJAC spokesperson Mir Bashir, Provincial president EJAC for Jammu Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh, emphasized the urgency of addressing the financial strain faced by employees and pensioners due to the rising cost of living.
“The escalating cost of essential commodities has placed a significant burden on employees and pensioners. A 3% DA hike is not just a demand; it is a necessity to help them cope with these financial pressures,” Sheikh said.
In addition to the DA hike, Mohd Ashraf Sheikh strongly advocated for increasing the Medical allowance for pensioners from the current Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 per month, citing the steep rise in healthcare costs.
“Pensioners, many of whom depend on limited fixed incomes, are struggling to manage escalating medical expenses. The current medical allowance is grossly inadequate and needs urgent revision,” he added.
Ashraf Sheikh also underscored the importance of fulfilling prior commitments made to EJAC, including the regularization of daily wagers, casual labourers, and NYCs (National Youth Corps). He called for the immediate formulation of a comprehensive job policy for NHM (National Health Mission) employees, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and seasonal teachers.
“The Government must honour its promises to these vital sections of our workforce, who are integral to the socio-economic fabric of J&K,” Sheikh urged.
J&K EJAC expressed hope that the Government would take swift and decisive action to address these pressing issues and ensure the welfare of employees and pensioners across Jammu and Kashmir.
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