Danish Bashir
Srinagar : Employees working under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) in the Public Works (R&B) Department of North Kashmir have expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in their salaries, which have been pending for over four months. In the Lolab Division, the situation is even more severe, with salaries withheld for six months.
This delay has caused immense financial distress among the employees, leaving them struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, children’s education, and other essential expenses. The prolonged non-payment of salaries has also adversely affected their morale and productivity, adding to their woes.
Despite assurances from the Chief Engineer of PW(R&B) on November 25, 2024, to resolve the issue within a week, no tangible action has been taken, leaving employees disheartened and feeling neglected.
In a formal appeal to the Chief Engineer, the employees urged immediate intervention, stating:
“We respectfully urge your good self to intervene and ensure the immediate release of our pending salaries. If no action is taken promptly, we may be compelled to resort to a pen-down strike starting December 20, 2024, a step we are reluctant to take considering its potential impact on public services and ongoing developmental works.”
The employees have called upon the administration and relevant stakeholders to address their grievances on a priority basis, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to this crisis.
