Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: A meeting of State Committee All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation (LPGEF) was held here, today under the chairmanship of Achal Dev Singh convener which was attended by Gulam Rasool Mir, Javed Shah, R.K. Maini, Anil Verma, Ishar Dass Sangra, J.S Awal, Mohammed Nazir, Shakeel Ahmed Dev, Niaz Ahmed Rahi, Noor Hussain Malik, Abdul Rashid Bhatt, Nazir Ahmed Magray, Mohammed Shuban Bhutt, Mohammed Yaseen Iutoo and Manjoor Kichloo.
The meeting criticized the recently passed Central budget, labeling it as an eye-wash that favors the wealthy while neglecting the working class, unemployed youth, and farmers. The budget failed to provide any relief to the common man.
The meeting while demanded constitution of Pay Commission said it is customary to constitute a Pay Commission after every 10 years. However, the recent budget does not mention this critical issue, betraying millions of Central and State employees. The Federation demands the immediate constitution of the Pay Commission.
Demanding restoration of Old Pension Scheme the meeting said despite years of service, Government employees are deprived of pension benefits, while MPs and MLAs qualify for pensions after taking the oath. The Federation strongly appealed for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for retirees.
During the COVID-19 period, 18 months of Dearness Allowance (DA) was not paid to the employees and pensioners. The Federation urged the Government to release the pending DA without further delay.
The meeting said employees of other Union Territories (UTs) receive Medical Allowance of Rs. 1000/- per month, whereas J&K UT employees have been deprived of this benefit since August 5, 2019. The Federation strongly supports and appeals for the immediate enhancement of the Medical Allowance to Rs. 1000/- per month, effective from August 5, 2019.
The budget provides no relief for Government employees in terms of tax deductions. Given the rising prices, the Federation appealed for some relaxation in the deduction of income tax for employees.
The Federation calls for the regularization of daily-rated workers, Anganwadi workers, and village guards (J&K), who have been rendering their services for many years. Their services should be regularized promptly.
Follow our WhatsApp channel