Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 2: Political and social activist Jayesh Gupta has strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s reported move to double the salaries of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), ministers, and senior officials, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister — terming the proposed 100% hike as “insensitive and ill-timed.”
Jayesh said the Government’s decision was deeply unfair at a time when thousands of low-income employees are struggling for their rightful dues and adequate wages. He pointed out that Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, NHM employees, and daily wagers — who are the backbone of essential public welfare services — continue to receive meager monthly salaries ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, despite years of protests and repeated pleas to the authorities.
He reminded that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during his election campaign, had made several commitments to uplift these sections of the workforce and improve their working conditions. However, nearly a year into his tenure, Gupta said, there has been little progress on the ground, leaving the working class disheartened and disappointed.
Highlighting the broader picture, Gupta observed that the developmental and economic growth of J&K has remained stagnant, with several infrastructure and tourism projects failing to deliver the expected outcomes. Despite substantial public expenditure, he said, these initiatives have not generated the promised revenue, thereby increasing the burden on taxpayers.
“The State’s health infrastructure, education system, and road connectivity remain inadequate even after heavy public investment. In such circumstances, granting a salary hike to legislators is both unjustified and contrary to public sentiment,” Gupta remarked.
He urged the Government to prioritize public welfare, employment generation, and strengthening of essential services before considering pay hikes for those in power.
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