JAMMU, Jun 5: The Non-Gazetted Police Pensioners Welfare Forum staged a protest against the alleged discrimination faced by retired police personnel of Jammu and Kashmir in the matter of pay anomaly benefits and urged the authorities to implement the recent order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) without further delay.
Addressing the media, members of the Forum stated that the Government had issued Order No. 229-F of 2014 dated October 17, 2014, regarding the removal of pay anomalies affecting police personnel. However, they alleged that the benefits were granted only prospectively from the date of issuance of the order, whereas the anomaly actually originated with the implementation of the 5th Pay Commission in 1996.
The Forum members contended that while the recommendations of the 5th Pay Commission were extended across various government departments, police personnel were left out, resulting in financial losses to thousands of employees and retirees. They demanded that the benefits be extended retrospectively from January 1, 1996, so that all affected personnel receive justice.
The Forum further highlighted that the Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu Bench, had passed orders in cases numbered 6839/2020, 6757/2020 and 6761/2020 in favour of the retired police personnel. The judgment was reserved on April 25, 2025, and pronounced on October 10, 2025. The pensioners urged the Government to implement the tribunal’s order at the earliest and provide compensation and benefits to all affected retirees from 1996 onwards.
The members expressed concern that many retired police personnel are advanced in age and facing serious health issues. They stated that several beneficiaries have already passed away while awaiting justice, and timely implementation of the order would provide much-needed financial relief to the surviving pensioners.
The Forum also condemned the reported use of objectionable and disrespectful language by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu towards a police officer. According to the Forum, the Minister’s conduct was inappropriate and hurt the dignity of the police force. While acknowledging reports that the Minister had tendered an apology before social organizations, NGOs and religious leaders, the Forum maintained that the apology alone was insufficient to address the alleged insult caused to police personnel and members of the Scheduled Caste community.
The Forum demanded that appropriate action be taken in the matter and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests, dignity and welfare of retired police personnel across Jammu and Kashmir.
The protest concluded with a strong appeal to the Government to ensure the early implementation of the CAT order and address the long-pending grievances of retired police employees.