Ganderbal, June 23,: Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners United Front on Monday held a peaceful protest in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, demanding immediate redressal of their long-pending issues, including restoration of benefits under the 8th Pay Commission and an increase in medical allowance.
Scores of elderly pensioners assembled and raised slogans urging the government to address their grievances. The protesting retired employees, many of whom served the government for over three decades, said they feel neglected and forgotten after retirement.
“We demand the restoration of all benefits due under the 8th Pay Commission. The government must also enhance the meagre medical allowance from Rs 300 to at least Rs 1000,” said one of the protesting pensioners. “Rs 300 in today’s time is a joke. It doesn’t even cover a basic doctor consultation, let alone treatment or medicines.”
Another key demand raised during the protest was the implementation of a 5% additional pension every five years after the age of 65, similar to what is provided in many other states and under central government norms. The pensioners said this incremental support becomes crucial as age-related ailments and expenses increase with time.
“These are genuine demands. We are not asking for luxuries but for dignity in old age. After giving a lifetime to the service of the people, this is the least we expect,” said a retired teacher who joined the protest.
The demonstrators appealed to the government to take immediate steps and initiate a dialogue with the pensioners’ body to resolve their issues in a time-bound manner.
“We will be forced to intensify our agitation across all districts if our voices continue to be ignored,” warned one of the organisers. [KNT]
