Jammu, 02 June (H.S.): The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), J&K, has urged the 8th Central Pay Commission to recommend a substantial hike in salaries, merger of Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic pay once it reaches 50 per cent, and a comprehensive regularisation policy for daily wagers and other temporary workers.

An EJAC delegation led by president Wajahat Hussain and general secretary Sajad Ahmad Parray met the chairperson and members of the 8th Central Pay Commission and submitted a memorandum outlining the concerns of Government employees, pensioners, contractual workers, consolidated employees and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) staff in J&K.

The delegation sought a significant upward revision in pay scales and an employee-friendly fitment factor to offset inflation and the rising cost of living since the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

It also called for a realistic minimum wage and a mechanism for automatic and timely compensation against inflation through regular DA neutralisation.

EJAC further demanded that DA be merged with basic pay whenever it touches the 50 per cent mark.

Seeking parity with Central Government employees, the delegation urged the Commission to ensure comparable pay structures, allowances and service benefits for J&K employees, arguing that the Union Territory’s administrative status warrants similar treatment.

On pension-related issues, EJAC demanded strengthening of pensionary and social security measures, including enhancement of pension, gratuity and leave encashment benefits to ensure financial security for employees after retirement.

The delegation also called for strengthening the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme and addressing stagnation in government services through cadre restructuring, improved promotion policies and better career progression mechanisms.

It said limited promotional avenues in several departments were adversely affecting employee morale and career growth.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the Education Department.

EJAC highlighted disparities in the cadre structure and pay levels of principals and other educational administrators in J&K compared with their counterparts in several states and Union Territories and sought rationalisation of cadres and removal of anomalies.

The committee further demanded enhancement of various allowances, including Risk Allowance, Hardship Allowance, Medical Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Travel Allowance and Running Staff Allowance, citing current economic realities and job requirements.

It also called for strengthening employee welfare measures, including health insurance coverage, medical reimbursement facilities and social security mechanisms.

The delegation pressed for the welfare of daily wagers, contractual workers, consolidated employees and other temporary staff, urging the Commission to recommend a comprehensive and humane regularisation policy for long-serving workers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar