Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 5: The J&K Government Retiree Pensioner Employees Association has appealed to the administration to address their long-pending grievances, citing financial and emotional distress caused by delays in releasing retirement benefits.
In a meeting held in Jammu, the association expressed concern over systematic delays and irregularities, which they said violate the constitutional right to life and dignity under Article 21.
Pensioners complained of unacceptable delays-often over a year-in receiving gratuity, GP Fund, commuted loans, and other post-retirement dues.
They stressed that pensions are legal entitlements earned through decades of service, not favours.
The pensioners highlighted that these delays are affecting their ability to meet essential life needs such as medical treatment, children’s education and marriages, house repairs, and land purchases.
They warned that the situation has caused immense mental, emotional, and financial stress among senior citizens.
Key demands include enhancement of medical allowance for employees and pensioners from Rs 300 to Rs 1000, release of 18 months’ pending DA arrears, early release of 4% DA due from July 1, a 2% HRA hike for J&K employees, regularisation of daily-rated workers under SRO 64, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and early appointment of the 8th Pay Commission. They also sought release of pending GPF amounts.
The association urged LG Manoj Sinha and former CM Omar Abdullah to intervene and direct the Finance Department to resolve the issues without delay.
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