The increase in the DA for government employees and pensioners from 239 to 246 per cent of basic pay and pension is one of the commendable steps worthy of appreciation by the Jammu and Kashmir government.
It paves the way for granting the much-needed relief to thousands of government employees and pensioners from the onslaught of the inflation wave, which had been sweeping the economy for several years now.
With prices of essential commodities, fuels, and daily items having substantially risen during the past few years, the purchasing power of many in fixed-income brackets has dwindled down to almost nothing.
It thereby allows the distribution of employees and pensioners’ benefits of the state government, having been recently granted the revised DA from the central government for its employees and pensioners.
Such synchronization, indeed, does well in boosting the morale of state employees, who do not have to feel inferior to their counterparts at the Centre. Also, the same shows the moves taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, which are mentioned as proactive in enhancing its employees’ financial health.
These employees remain at the centre of policy implementation and the delivery of public services. In this way, by increasing their financial security, the government indirectly makes an investment in the efficiency and effectiveness with which its administrative machinery runs.
They will, nonetheless, be assured of stability and dignity in their post-retirement life due to the increase in DA. Their years of service will not be mere service and retirement: they will conclude in some value, thus being practically a commitment by the government toward their welfare after leaving active service.
All in all, this is good news, having thus a post-retirement solving strategy now developed. Yet there remains further vigilance to be added to it against that perennial scourge of employees and pensioners: the menace of ongoing economic strains.
Both praise-worthy and vigilant against the constant economic realities that besiege workers and retirees, the government has in view revisions, which must be time-bound, practical, and in line with the inflation trends.
Delay in revising allowances will result in financial nightmares and bad employee morale that can only make productivity plummet.
Other areas that should also be carefully thought about include healthcare benefits for workers, assistance with housing, as well as regular and timely promotions and advancement.
All of these, when concentrated on, would ensure an improved quality of life for people while very much empowering the complete governance system in the entire framework.
