Voluntarily retired Govt Arts Emporium employees rue delay in payment of salaries

Srinagar, Oct  11: Voluntarily retired employees of the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium have rued that they have been deprived of their monthly salaries for the last five years.

About 40 employees voluntarily retired; however, since then, they have not received their salaries for their service period.

A delegation of VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) employees reported that they have taken out bank loans, and due to the non-payment of their monthly EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) caused by the lack of regular salaries, they are unable to make payments. "Consequently, the principal amount, along with accrued interest, continues to increase, leading bank officials to threaten immediate repayment of the outstanding loans."

"This situation has caused mental trauma, stress, and anxiety, posing a significant threat to their well-being."

Moreover, many VRS employees are suffering from age-related ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid conditions. Due to a lack of funds, they are unable to procure life-saving medications." The delegation expressed that they feel compelled to consider suicide if their long-pending salaries are not paid.