Release 3% DA for employees, pensioners: EJAC President

Srinagar, Dec 8: The President of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) Jammu and Kashmir  Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam, has urged the government to release an additional 3 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) for the employees and pensioners of J&K.

In a statement, he said this aligns with the recent DA hike granted by the central government to its employees. Shabnam emphasised that similar measures are essential for the well-being of employees in Jammu and Kashmir.

He highlighted that the rising cost of living has put significant pressure on employees and pensioners, who are struggling to meet their daily expenses amidst inflation. He argued that an increase in the DA would be a necessary adjustment to help maintain their standard of living, which has been impacted by escalating prices of essential commodities.

Additionally,. Shabnam stressed the need for an enhancement in the medical allowance, pointing out that healthcare costs have risen substantially.

“The current medical allowance does not adequately cover the expenses employees are incurring due to increasing healthcare needs.

It is high time the government recognizes this and makes appropriate adjustments by increasing it from Rs 300 to Rs 1000 per month for pensioners” he added.

The EJAC President expressed confidence that the government would consider the genuine demands of employees and pensioners and take prompt action to address their concerns.