Srinagar, Feb 21: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday expressed concern over media reports about treasuries in Jammu and Kashmir running dry, with cases of unpaid pensions, GP Fund, gratuity, and leave salaries piling up.
The party urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, to address the difficulties being faced by various sections of society due to the ongoing crisis.
In a statement issued here, PDP leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar said that disturbing reports have emerged about dry treasuries across Jammu and Kashmir, with employees’ GP Fund cases, SLI cases, gratuity, and leave salaries of retired employees remaining unpaid since April last year.
Additionally, contractors who have invested their own money and completed their works are left in the lurch as their bills gather dust in treasuries.
“Never in history have we seen pensioners being denied even their Dearness Allowance arrears, or those who retired in April last year still waiting for their gratuity and leave salaries. The release of Dearness Allowance was announced by the Jammu and Kashmir government seven months after it was granted by the Government of India, and the arrears are yet to be paid to employees as well as pensioners. Inflation is already exposing people to severe hardships, and denying the DA arrears is unfortunate,” Akhtar said.
Akhtar expressed deep concern over the impact of the crisis on both retired and working employees, as well as contractors who play a crucial role in building the public sector.
“Pensioners are dealing with immense uncertainty. Denying them their rightful dues is a human rights violation and intolerable in any sane governance system. The financial stability of government employees is also under severe threat,” he said.
He further pointed out the irony and unlawfulness of delaying GP Fund bills for months, stating, “GP Fund money is saved by employees for emergencies, and keeping these bills pending for disbursal for years endangers the trust between the government and its employees. Through such measures, employees will not only be deprived of financial stability but also of the opportunity to actively contribute to effective governance.”
Calling for immediate action, Akhtar urged the Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, to resolve the issue at the earliest and not to delay the release of payments any further.
“We have a democratically elected government in place since past four months. People expected it to deliver on the promises made ahead of the polls. Now is the time to walk the talk. The Chief Minister must take an active role in resolving this crisis at the earliest,” Akhtar said.
