Associated News Bureau

J&K Retired Employees’ Forum Presents Pension Reform Demands Before 8th Central Pay Commission

Srinagar, June 2: ANB: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat Retired Employees Welfare Forum on Monday held a detailed interaction with the Chairman and senior officials of the 8th Central Pay Commission during the Commission’s visit to Srinagar, placing before it a comprehensive memorandum on issues concerning retired employees and pensioners. The delegation was led by Forum President Nazir Ahmad Mir and included Chand Ji Bhat and Mushtaq Hussain Khan. During the meeting, the Forum highlighted the challenges faced by pensioners due to rising inflation, increasing healthcare costs and the need for a more equitable and socially secure pension framework. The delegation urged the Commission to recommend measures aimed at ensuring financial stability, dignity and an improved quality of life for retired employees and family pensioners. The Commission gave a patient hearing to the delegation and sought detailed inputs on various aspects related to pension revision and welfare measures for retired government employees. Among the key demands projected by the Forum were the adoption of a realistic fitment factor for meaningful enhancement of pensions and family pensions, adequate relief against inflation and the rising cost of living, strengthening of healthcare facilities and medical benefits, enhancement of the Fixed Medical Allowance for pensioners residing outside CGHS-covered areas, and expansion of social security measures for senior citizens and family pensioners. The Forum also sought rationalisation of pension-related provisions to ensure equity among retirees and called for special consideration for pensioners residing in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the region’s unique geographical and socio-economic conditions. Speaking after the interaction, Forum President Nazir Ahmad Mir expressed optimism that the concerns raised by retired employees and pensioners would receive due consideration while the Commission finalises its recommendations. He said retired employees had devoted the most productive years of their lives to public service and deserved a pension system that adequately safeguards their dignity, financial security and healthcare needs in old age. The Forum expressed gratitude to the Chairman and Members of the 8th Central Pay Commission for providing an opportunity to present the concerns and expectations of retired Civil Secretariat employees of Jammu and Kashmir. ANB