Jammu & Kashmir Govt to release employees’ arrears, enhancement in retirement age : issue still open.

he state government on Tuesday agreed to release portion of the arrears to its employees due to them since implementation of the 6th Pay Commission report in January 2006. The decision would have a financial implication of more than Rs 1770 crores annually.

 “Yes the government discussed the roadmap to release its share of 50 per cent of the arrears with the employees’ leaders during a meeting here. The decision to this effect is likely to be announced by the Chief Minister after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday,” said a top government official who was part of the meeting.
 “Regarding another 50 per cent share which has to come from the center, we have announced as and when the money is received by the state government, it will be released accordingly. Given the fragile economy of the state releasing 50 per cent arrears is a big step,” he added.
 The meeting which lasted for more than two hours was attended, from government side, by the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, BB Vyas, Chief Secretary, S S Kapur Commissioner/Secretary Finance, Sudhanshu Panday and Commissioner/Secretary GAD, S A Khan. The employees were represented by Abdul Qayoom Wani, Khursheed Alam, Nazir Ahmad Mir and others.
 Officials said that in case of class-IV employees 12.5 per cent of the share would be deposited in their GP Fund every year for next 4-years while as 10 per cent of the share would be deposited in GP Fund of class II and III employees for the next 5-years. For higher grade employees, the 50 per cent arrears would be released in the next 6-years.
 “However, the decision would be implemented from next financial year,” officials  said.
 The lock in period for class IV, and Class II and III and higher grade employees has been fixed at 3-years, and 5-years respectively.
 About the share of arrears that has to come from the center, officials said though government had already taken up the matter with the 13th Finance Commission during its visit to JK earlier this year, and with Prime Minister’s office there has been no “affirmative response” so far.
 “The government is in touch with the PMO,” he said.
 Regarding a decision on removal of pay anomalies, the employees’ leaders were informed that the cabinet sub-committee had finalized its report, which would be discussed with employees’ union before its submission to the cabinet for appropriate decision after Durbar move.
 “The Government has not closed the case on enhancement of the retirement age from 58 to 60,” officials said. It has been one of the main demands of the employees.
Source : Greater Kashmir.