Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Nov 17: A large number of State Government employees serving in Leh under the banner of State Government Employees Association (SGEA), Leh, took out a peaceful procession from historical ground to the Council Secretariat here today.
They were demanding grant of 12.5% Special Duty Allowance (SDA) at par with the Central Govt employees serving in Ladakh region, besides immediate restoration of J&K Reservation act 2004 read with J&K Reservation Rules framed for the purpose vide SRO 294 of 2005.
Addressing a huge gathering at Polo Ground Leh, the president of the Association Tashi Chosphel strongly condemned the step-motherly attitude of the State Government towards its employees posted in Ladakh region by not paying due heed to our genuine demand of granting SDA. Giving ultimatum to the State Government, the president of the Association said that if the demand is not fulfilled, the employees will go on strike. He also urged that despite the assurance given by the State Government no decision has been taken by it till date. The Association strongly reacted to the recent judgment of High Court over the ST/SC/ OBC Reservation issue for promotion and appealed the Government to settle this issue in light of J&K Reservation Act 2004.
Trade unionist Mohd Ayub said that granting of SDA to the Central Government employees in Ladakh region in the 6th Pay Commission is by taking into account the high cost of living and climatic conditions of Ladakh region, however, the State Government employees have been deprived of this assistance.
Later, the employees marched up to Council Secretariat to hand over a memorandum to the Chief Minister, through Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC- Leh to redress their genuine demand. The CEC Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo assured the employees that their issue will be taken up with the State Government.
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