JAMMU, Aug 31: The Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) Employees Union staged a protest on Monday, urging the government and concerned authorities to address the long-pending issues of employees and take immediate measures for the revival of the Corporation.
Addressing the protest, Ananta Kout, General Secretary, JKTDC Employees Union, said the employees were facing severe financial hardship as their salaries for the past two months had not been released. He said several administrative and service-related issues, including the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), regularisation of daily wagers, CP Fund and retirement benefits of retired employees, were also pending.
Kout appealed to the government and the Chairman of JKTDC to formulate a comprehensive revival plan for the Corporation, asserting that a permanent solution to the employees’ problems was not possible without strengthening the institution and restoring it to full functionality.
He said the DPC has reportedly not been held for around 12 years, adversely affecting promotions and other service matters. Kout said the Managing Director had assured employees that holding the DPC was among the government’s priorities and expressed hope that the process would be initiated after the conclusion of the ongoing Film Festival.
The Union also raised the issue of the decision taken during the last JKTDC Board Meeting regarding a 40 per cent enhancement in rent of JKTDC properties occupied by the Estates Department. Kout urged Chief Minister, who is also Chairman of JKTDC, to ensure early implementation of the decision, saying it could help augment the Corporation’s revenue.
JKTDC Employees Union President Qamar Din also highlighted the financial difficulties being faced by the Corporation and its employees. The Union said JKTDC was carrying substantial financial obligations, while its existing revenue was inadequate to meet operational expenses and ensure timely payment of salaries.
The employees recalled the assurance given by the Chief Minister during their meeting that another serious effort would be made for the revival of JKTDC. They urged the government to provide financial assistance, administrative support and concrete measures to strengthen the Corporation, safeguard employees’ legitimate rights and enable JKTDC to once again contribute effectively to the promotion of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.