Srinagar, Oct 22: The Minister for Finance & Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Monday said that most of the demands of employees have been already fulfilled and the remaining were under consideration of the Government with positive frame of mind. He said the release of 7% DA in cash before Eid-ul-Azha, which has become due from July 2012, is also under consideration.
Speaking at the one-day annual Provincial Convention of Jammu and Kashmir National Trade Union Front at Sheikh-ul-Aalam Hall, Budgam, Rather said the Government is abreast with the problems of the employees which can be sorted out through dialogue and reconciliation without resorting to confrontation. He said confrontation is neither in the interest of employees nor people but only puts the masses to great hardships. He said Government is committed to the well being of employees and worker class, adding that they too should perform their duties with dedication to serve the people and redress their grievances as per their aspirations.
Rather said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) in its recent meeting discussed the issue of Casual Labours (CLs) where it was observed that most of the departments have not submitted the requisite information in this regard and the information submitted by some departments is incomplete. He said the Government is committed to its promise to regularize all such Daily Rated Worker (DRWs) who have been engaged up to 1994 after which engagement of DRWs has been banned.
Rather said that earlier also 4th, 5th and 6th Pay Commission recommendations along with arrears were implemented when he was Finance Minister, despite limited resources. “This itself speaks about the seriousness and commitment of the Government towards the cause of employees and workers,” Rather said adding that payment of 6th Pay Commission arrears to the employees laid a burden of Rs 4200 crore on the State exchequer.
The District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Muhammad Akbar; President, J&K National Trade Union Front, Muhammad Gafoor Dar, General Secretary G.R. Geelani, Vice-President Abdul Ahad Bandroo, delegates from all districts of Kashmir province and a large number of employees were present on the occasion.
Muhammad Gafoor Dar, while thanking the Minister, highlighted the demands of employees including regularization of leftover DRWs, enhancement of retirement age, removal of pay anomalies and re-organization of various departments.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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