EJAC slams Govt apathy towards employees, demands DA release ahead of Eid
Srinagar, May 31: The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) has voiced strong concern over what it calls the government’s continued apathy towards the pressing issues of government employees, particularly the delay in releasing the pending Dearness Allowance (DA) instalment due from January 2025.
In a statement issued to the press, Senior Trade Union Leader and EJAC President Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam criticised the administration for its “delaying tactics” and “indifference” to employee grievances. “Government employees are being taken for granted and are facing untold hardships due to the inaction,” Shabnam said.
Citing the soaring prices of essential commodities, Shabnam urged the government to release the DA instalment immediately, especially in view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. “At a time when inflation is biting, withholding the DA is unjust and unacceptable,” he said.
The EJAC president also highlighted the long-pending Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings across various departments. “Employees are being denied their legitimate rights to promotion and confirmation as DPCs are not being convened regularly,” he said.
Shabnam warned that the government’s indifference is pushing employees towards protest. “While we believe in peaceful resolution, we cannot remain silent in the face of the government’s non-seriousness,” he said.
He further pointed to the piling up of GP fund bills in treasuries and delays in releasing retirement benefits such as gratuity. “Retirees and those on the verge of retirement are left waiting endlessly for their rightful dues,” Shabnam added.
The EJAC leader also reiterated the long-standing demand for the regularisation of daily wagers and other temporary employees. “Despite repeated assurances, the issue remains unresolved, leaving thousands in limbo,” he said.
Calling upon the Chief Minister to intervene personally, Shabnam appealed for an “employee-friendly approach” to governance. “We hope the government will not delay further in addressing the already agreed-upon and legitimate demands of the employees,” he said.
