Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 18: Nearly 40 employees of the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium in Srinagar, who opted for voluntary retirement, allege they have been denied salaries for the past five years, despite the department benefiting from a surge in tourism.
A delegation of these employees told ‘Excelsior’ that they were forced to seek Voluntary Retirement from Service (VRS) due to prolonged non-payment of wages. “We opted for VRS hoping to survive on our retirement benefits, but years after leaving, our pending salaries remain unpaid,” the delegation said.
The employees stated they had taken loans but are now facing increased financial pressure as mounting interest adds to the principal amount. “With bank officials repeatedly demanding repayment, we are under severe mental stress,” the delegation lamented. They also noted that many of the employees are suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders but cannot afford essential medications, treatments, or lab tests due to a lack of funds.
The group said they had submitted a detailed representation to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, seeking relief on humanitarian grounds. They stressed that the emporium is performing well, with outlets generating significant revenue thanks to a booming tourism sector. “Given the financial support the Government provides to the corporation, clearing our dues should not be an issue if the funds are allocated properly,” they added.
The delegation said they recently met with the Commissioner of the Industries and Commerce Department to discuss their hardships and requested his intervention. Following the meeting, the Managing Director, Atul Kumar Sharma, and Financial Advisor, Imran Mehmood, authorized the release of one month’s salary to the retired employees. The delegation expressed their gratitude to the officials and hoped that the remaining salaries would be disbursed soon.
Managing Director, Atul Kumar, told ‘Excelsior’ that they have released nearly Rs 3 crores in their favour. “Their salary for the Covid period is pending and bills have already been sent which will be released soon. Also, all other incentives have already been cleared. Whatever is pending will also be cleared accordingly,” he said.
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