J&K Pensioners’ Federation Raises Key Demands for Senior Citizens and Retired Employees

Onlykashmir.in News Desk

Srinagar, May 3, 2025 — Under the direction of the State President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners Welfare Federation/Senior Citizens Civil Society (JKPWF/SCCS), the District Committee of Srinagar convened a significant meeting at Vikar House on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. The session was chaired by District President Haji Abdul Gani Parray and focused on a range of pressing issues faced by senior citizens and retired government employees in the Union Territory.

The following office bearers and members of the JKPWF/SCCS District Srinagar participated in the meeting:

1. Mr. Abdul Gani Parray – President, District Srinagar

2. Mr. Aftab Nabi – Senior Vice President

3. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khanyari – Vice President

4. Mr. Nazir Ahmad Beigh – Secretary

5. Mr. Nissar Ahmad Tarfoosh – Publicity Secretary

6. Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat – Member

During the meeting, the committee conducted a detailed review of several critical concerns affecting UT employees and retirees, including unresolved issues requiring the urgent attention of the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The committee put forth the following key demands:

1. Merger of Dearness Allowance (DA) with Pension/Salary: The committee emphasized the necessity of merging DA with pension/salary to provide financial relief to pensioners.

2. Enhancement of Medical Allowance: A demand was raised to increase the existing medical allowance from ₹300 to ₹1,000, in alignment with the allowance currently granted in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

3. Release of Unpaid Emoluments to Recently Retired/VRS Pensioners: The committee highlighted the plight of retirees from the J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation and Jammu and Kashmir Industries Ltd., who have not received their due salaries and retrial benefits. It was strongly urged that these pending payments be disbursed immediately to prevent further financial hardship for the affected pensioners, many of whom are in distress.

4. Reduction of Recovery Period for Commuted Pension: The Federation advocated for the implementation of a revised recovery period for commuted pensions, proposing 128 months instead of the currently enforced 180 months.

5. Additional Pension Benefits Based on Age: The committee called for the implementation of additional pension benefits as follows:

   • 5% increase after 65 years of age

   • 10% increase after 70 years of age

   • 15% increase after 75 years of age

The meeting concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the founder of the Federation, Late Sampath Prakash Ji, a revered national trade union leader, recognizing his lifelong commitment to the welfare of government employees and pensioners.