Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 30: Stating that the J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) is now a flourishing and financially stable entity, its workers union today demanded the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the Minimum Wages Act, and the regularization of consolidated workers.
Addressing reporters after the General Council Meeting, Union’s Chairman Wajahat Hussain said the Corporation is an autonomous body, and the Transport Minister has the authority to take decisions regarding these longstanding demands.
“There is no issue of state or Union Territory jurisdiction. The Transport Minister, as Chairman of the Board of Directors, has full authority. We do not need funds from the Finance Department for this-the decision lies entirely with the Minister,” he said.
“The 7th Pay Commission, revised Minimum Wages Act, and regularization of consolidated workers must be implemented without further delay.”
He recalled that after 2019, the Corporation was on the verge of collapse and by 2022, there were no funds available for salaries, retirement benefits, or repayment of bank loans.
“However, with Government support and under the leadership of the Managing Director, new buses were procured and all employees-from drivers to ministerial staff-worked tirelessly. As a result, salaries were restored, bank loans were cleared, and Rs 80 crore was disbursed to retirees.”
The Chairman said that despite achieving financial stability, the Government has continued to delay employee welfare measures.
“This is the right time to implement the 7th Pay Commission. The Corporation is capable. Consolidated drivers, who were recruited through a formal process, were supposed to be regularized after eight years. It’s been 14 years now, and nothing has happened,” he lamented.
He urged the management to act swiftly, stressing that the Corporation is in a position to implement the Pay Commission and regularize consolidated workers.
“If these genuine demands are not addressed, we will have no option but to take to the streets. It appears the Government wants us to protest. Why else are they not acting?” he asked.
The General Council Meeting for Kashmir division was attended by several workers from across districts.
Wajahat recalled several meetings with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Transport Minister Satish Sharma, but said that the core demands of the workers remain unmet.
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