Home Guards from Kashmir and Jammu Protest in Jammu Over Pay Parity
Anil Kumar
Jammu, Dec 30, KNT: Home Guards from both Kashmir and Jammu regions staged a protest in Jammu on Tuesday, alleging that the government has failed to implement court orders directing enhancement of their salaries at par with police constables.
The protesting Home Guards said that despite clear directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal, their demands have remained unaddressed. They alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has not complied with the judicial orders even after repeated reminders.
The protesters told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that Home Guards in Jammu and Kashmir are currently paid Rs 2700, while their counterparts in Chandigarh Union Territory receive Rs 5600. They said the courts had explicitly directed the government to enhance their salaries in line with police constables, but the orders have not been implemented so far.
A protesting Home Guard said that personnel from Kashmir have also joined the demonstration in Jammu to highlight the issue. He said the Chief Minister informed them that the matter does not fall within his direct jurisdiction, though he forwarded their representation to the Lieutenant Governor’s office. The protester added that while they appreciated the gesture, it has not resulted in any concrete action.
The Home Guards alleged that the administration has only been offering assurances without resolving their long pending demands. They warned that if their grievances are not addressed at the earliest, they will be compelled to intensify their agitation and take to the streets on a daily basis.
The protesters urged the LG Manoj Sinha to respect court directives and ensure immediate implementation of the orders to bring relief to thousands of Home Guards who have been serving the department for years. [KNT]
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