Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners Association held a protest rally at Gita Bhawan here today against anti employees and anti pensioners policies of the State Government.
Hundreds of pensioners drawn from different parts of Jammu region participated in the rally. The protestors were shouting slogans in support of their demands and the rally was presided over by Pavitar Singh, ex Sessions Judge and Mohi-ud-Din Poshpuri was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the protestors the speakers said the employees and pensioners of the State have been struggling for over last three years for resolution of their problems including implementation of 6th Pay Commission but the State Government has failed to take any initiative in this regard till date.
They said the State Government has hiked the salaries of ministers and legislators three fold but it has no money for payment of 6th Pay Commission arrears to pensioners and employees. The Government has given enormous benefits to Legislators but it is showing utter neglect towards the demands of the employees and pensioners, they added.
They said the legislators have been allowed ten lakh rupees in one installment where as pensioners and employees will be paid arrears in five installments. Such an attitude of the Government is disappointing and discriminative, they added.
They while raising the problems of pensioners and working class demanded VAT on canteen items be exempted, payment of Rs 5000 to Safai Karamcharis and causal laborers as wages per month, payment of Rs 10,000 as honorarium to Sarpanches per month and Rs 5000 to panches, payment of arrears of revision pension in one installment and release of additional quantum of the pension in favour of State pensioners after attaining the age of 80, 85, 90 and 100 years and above at 20 per cent, 30 per cent, 40 percent, 50 percent and 100 percent on the analogy of Central Government older pensioners.
They also demanded enhancement of Medical Allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1000 to the State pensioners and employees, release of 6 per cent D A arrears from January 2009 to June 2009, seven per cent DA from January 2012, extension of retirement age to 60 years and reviewing of the new recruited policy.
They warned that in case the Government failed to give relief to the pensioners and other working class, the Pensioners Association will constitute a Political Front of Trade Unions in the State to ensure the defeat of the ruling Party.
Mukand Lal Sharma, convener and Madan Lal Abrol, general secretary of the Association were among others who addressed the rally.
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