JAMMU, Jun 2: In a significant development for government employees, the 8th Central Pay Commission invited the leadership of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the National Old Pension Restoration United Front (JKNOPRUF) for a high-level interaction to discuss key employee welfare issues and long-pending service-related demands.
The JKNOPRUF delegation was led by UT President Rajesh Kumar Sharma and included General Secretary Sakoon Manir and Provincial President Kashmir, Binny Tondon. During the meeting, the delegation submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting major concerns and aspirations of government employees, teachers, and pensioners.
The interaction focused on various structural reforms aimed at improving financial security, service conditions, and social welfare measures for employees. The delegation elaborated on each point contained in the memorandum and urged the Commission to address issues that have remained unresolved for years.
According to JKNOPRUF leaders, the 8th Central Pay Commission gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all the points raised would be examined thoroughly. The Commission reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured that appropriate recommendations would be considered in the larger interest of employee welfare.
Among the key demands highlighted by the delegation was the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) by replacing the market-linked New Pension Scheme (NPS), which employees believe does not provide adequate post-retirement security.
The memorandum also called for substantial revisions in pay and allowances, including fixing the minimum fitment factor at 3.2, raising the minimum basic pay to ₹57,600 per month, and increasing annual increments from the existing 3 per cent to 5 per cent.
The delegation further sought a realistic revision of Dearness Allowance (DA) linked to prevailing market prices and inflation. Other financial demands included enhancement of House Rent Allowance (HRA) up to 42 per cent for employees posted in X-Class cities and revision of Transport Allowance up to ₹9,000 plus DA for employees above Level-8.
In a significant proposal aimed at promoting gender equality and shared parenting responsibilities, JKNOPRUF demanded the provision of two years of Child Care Leave (CCL) for male employees. The delegation also sought enhancement of paternity leave from the existing provisions to 30 days.
For the teaching community, the memorandum recommended granting 12 days of annual Earned Leave and extending leave encashment benefits up to 120 days. The delegation also pressed for granting higher Pay Level-07 to Masters working in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the move would remove long-standing disparities and align with the spirit of previous pay commission recommendations.
Speaking after the meeting, the JKNOPRUF leadership expressed optimism over the positive response received from the Commission. They described the interaction as a constructive step towards addressing employee concerns and strengthening the financial and social security framework for government personnel.
The leaders stated that the Commission’s assurance to carefully examine the demands has raised hopes among employees, pensioners, and the academic community across Jammu and Kashmir. They expressed confidence that the recommendations would contribute significantly towards enhancing the dignity, morale, and financial well-being of government employees in the Union Territory.