JKCSF, JKPUF concerned over continued non-payment of employee entitlements

Srinagar, Nov 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), and Jammu Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF) under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, on Monday strongly condemned the continued non-payment of crucial employee entitlements, including GP fund, gratuity, leave salary, and revised gratuity.

They said for past seven months, both pensioners and in-service employees have been deprived of their rightful dues, forcing them into financial distress.

In a statement, the JKCSF and JKPUF said that these entitlements are not mere benefits but fundamental rights tied to employees' salaries. Withholding them is a blatant betrayal and a direct assault on their economic security. The brazen failure to release GP Fund bills, in particular, constitutes an unforgivable act of misappropriation, effectively robbing employees of their hard-earned savings.

It also said despite numerous appeals and reminders, for the last one year administration has shown a shocking lack of accountability and empathy, ignoring the human suffering caused by this inaction. Employees now pin their hopes on the chief minister and his-led government to intervene and resolve this issue with utmost urgency.

As per legal provisions, the government is bound to pay interest on delayed payments, the statement said.

The JKCSF called upon the chief minister Omar Abdullah to honor this commitment and take immediate steps to disburse these dues. Any further delay would not only deepen the financial crisis but also erode trust in governance, it added.

The JKCSF also reiterated its unwavering support for the affected employees and warns that continued inaction will compel the forum to explore democratic means of protest to secure justice.