DODA, Jul 14: The Jammu Kashmir Lamberdars and Chowkidars Union (JKLCU), Unit Doda, on Monday met Deputy Commissioner Doda, Krishan Lal, and submitted a memorandum addressed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, seeking early redressal of the long-pending, legal and genuine demands of Lamberdars and Chowkidars.
The memorandum highlighted the indispensable role played by Lamberdars and Chowkidars in the administration, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, where they serve as the vital link between the government and the public. The Union stated that they assist in revenue administration, maintenance of law and order, disaster management, elections, surveys, and coordination with nearly 30 government departments.
Addressing the media after the meeting, JKLCU Chairman Mukesh Parihar said that Lamberdars and Chowkidars have been serving the administration with honesty, dedication and commitment for decades, remaining available round the clock in the discharge of their official responsibilities.
He expressed concern that despite their crucial role, they continue to receive an extremely meagre and irregular honorarium, which is insufficient to support their families.
He said the prolonged delay in the release of pending honorariums has pushed many Lamberdars and Chowkidars into severe financial hardship, making it difficult for them to meet even basic household expenses and children’s educational needs.
Parihar further stated that while other categories of government employees have received pay revisions and social security benefits over the years, Lamberdars and Chowkidars continue to be ignored despite their lifelong service to the administration and the people.
The memorandum demanded revision of honorariums in accordance with at least the Minimum Wages Act, immediate release of all pending honorariums, pension after retirement, regularization of services, issuance of official entry passes for government offices, payment of election honorarium at par with polling personnel and BLOs, restoration of transport facilities, creation and filling of vacant Chowkidar posts, provision of health insurance and educational assistance for families, and introduction of a transparent promotion policy.
The Union appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister to consider these long-pending demands sympathetically and take immediate steps to ensure justice and dignity for Lamberdars and Chowkidars, who continue to serve the people despite facing serious economic challenges.