Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: The Jammu and Kashmir State Pensioners Association (JKSPA) has urged the Government to release Dearness Allowance (DA) at the rate of two percent, effective from January 1, 2025, in line with what is being given to Central Government pensioners and employees.
In a statement, the JKSPA President Krishan Singh said that despite repeated appeals, there has been no positive response from the Government so far.
He expressed hope that the Chief Minister would take personal interest in addressing this long-pending issue of the pensioners in the Union Territory.
Singh also demanded an increase in the medical allowance from the current Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 per month.
He pointed out that this higher amount is already being paid to pensioners in other Union Territories like Ladakh and to Central Government retirees.
The Association further requested the Union Government to release the pending DA instalments that have been withheld since January 2020.
Singh also appealed to the Central Government to exempt all pensioners from annual income tax, considering their limited financial resources.
Highlighting another concern, he reminded the Government that while the Prime Minister had earlier assured the formal setup of the Central Pay Commission, the process has not moved forward.
He urged for the early nomination of its head and members to ensure the Commission starts functioning without further delay.
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