JAMMU, Jun 19: Members of the VRS Union Jammu on Friday staged a demonstration and sit-in protest near the Press Club at Exhibition Ground, Jammu, under the leadership of Union President Dev Raj Bali, demanding the release of their long-pending financial dues and alleging neglect by the authorities concerned.
Addressing the protesters, Dev Raj Bali strongly criticized the functioning of the Transport Department and the management of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), alleging that retired, VRS, GHS and superannuated employees have been facing hardship for more than a decade due to the non-settlement of their claims.
He alleged that despite repeated representations and meetings with senior officials, including the Managing Director of JKRTC, no concrete action has been taken to resolve their grievances. Bali claimed that whenever union representatives approached the authorities for redressal, their concerns were ignored and the matter continued to be delayed.
The union leader further alleged that the Managing Director of JKRTC had failed to act despite directions reportedly issued by the Transport Minister for resolution of the issue. He said that although the claims are pending with the Finance Department and the case is “clear and justified,” affected employees continue to face unnecessary harassment.
Bali expressed concern over the prolonged delay in releasing the dues, stating that many retired employees have suffered severe financial difficulties. He claimed that during the course of their 13-year-long struggle, 78 affected employees had passed away without receiving their pending benefits, causing immense hardship to their families.
Appealing to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the union urged the government to intervene and ensure immediate settlement of their claims. The protesters said that the long-pending issue deserves urgent attention on humanitarian grounds.
The VRS Union reiterated its key demands, including payment of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) arrears from 1999 to 2005, 6th Pay Commission arrears from January 1, 2006 to April 2012, and pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears.
The protesters warned that they would continue their agitation until their legitimate dues are released and justice is delivered to the affected employees.
Among those who participated in the demonstration were Sat Bhushan Singh, Balwinder Singh, Surinder Kumar, P.P. Singh, Romesh Singh Bau and several other members of the union.