Srinagar, Jun 23: Jammu and Kashmir Retired Accounts Personnel Welfare Forum (JKRAPWF) on Monday said to have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman through Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar.
According to a statement issued by General Secretary, Chandji Bhat, the forum has submitted its memorandum, demanding immediate action regarding the constitution and functioning of the 8th central pay commission and consideration of pensioners’ welfare demands.
In a memorandum, the forum headed by its president M S Zahid has said that “We, the members of the Jammu and Kashmir Retired Accounts Personnel Welfare Forum (J&K Accounts ICON Group)—a representative body of retired officers and employees from the Accounts Services of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir—extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for its decision to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) in January 2025.”
“This declaration has been a beacon of hope for lakhs of government employees and pensioners across the country. The announcement is particularly significant for the elderly pensioner population, who have long awaited an equitable and timely revision in their pension structure. The establishment of the 8th CPC reflects the Government’s recognition of the need to periodically revise pay and pension structures in keeping with inflation, rising cost of living, and changing economic realities.”
“Despite this landmark announcement, we regret to bring to your kind notice that there has been no visible progress on crucial follow-up actions, which has given rise to deep concern, anxiety, and confusion among pensioners. Specifically: The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th CPC have not yet been finalized or made public. The appointment of the Chairman and Members of the Commission has not taken place. There has been no official communication or clarification from the concerned Ministries addressing the expectations of pensioners or setting a timeline for the Commission’s work.”
“This prolonged silence and lack of action have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease, particularly among elderly and vulnerable pensioners. In the absence of authentic information, rumors and unverified news are being widely circulated through social and electronic media, further aggravating confusion and damaging morale,” it reads.
“In light of the above, we make a respectful and urgent appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Finance Minister to intervene personally and ensure that the following actions are taken without further delay including immediate finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission, ensuring clarity on the scope, objectives, and timeline of the Commission’s work, appointment of the Chairman and Members of the 8th CPC within a specified timeframe to signal the Government’s seriousness and commitment to the announced reforms and inclusion of Pensioners’ Representation in the Commission, either through a dedicated member or advisory panel, so that the concerns and realities of the retired workforce—particularly those in non-metropolitan and Union Territory regions—are fully heard and addressed.”
“We respectfully request that the following long-pending and region-specific demands be incorporated into the Commission’s Terms of Reference to ensure a just, inclusive, and compassionate policy outcome for all pensioners including grant of Additional Pension at Lower Age Thresholds, that additional pension be granted at the following progressive age brackets to address the growing health, dependency, and mobility costs associated with aging: At age 65 years: Additional 5% of basic pension, at age 70 years: Additional 10% of basic pension and at age 75 years: Additional 15% of basic pension,” reads the memorandum, adding that this proposal is in continuation of the existing provision of 20% additional pension starting at age 80. Given the increasing life expectancy and chronic health issues emerging in earlier decades of retirement, these revised thresholds would offer timely relief and dignity to aged pensioners.
“We urge the enhancement of the Fixed Medical Allowance to ₹1000/- per month, with retrospective effect from August 2019. This request is grounded in the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s earlier commitment that all central allowances and perks would be extended equally to employees and pensioners of Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir. Regrettably, while UT Ladakh pensioners have received this enhanced allowance, pensioners of Jammu and Kashmir continue to be excluded, causing widespread resentment and a sense of discriminatory treatment. This disparity must be immediately rectified,” the memorandum added.
“We request that the commuted portion of pension be restored after 10 yrs and 08 months, instead of the existing 15-year period. This practice is already being followed in certain states and sectors. Considering that the commuted amount is fully recovered through deductions within 20 yrs and 8months , continuing recovery beyond this period imposes an unnecessary financial burden on senior citizens. Restoration after 10.08 years would provide pensioners with much-needed relief during the most vulnerable years of their lives and would reflect the Government’s compassionate approach towards its retired employees.”
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed significant administrative transformation in recent years. Retired government servants, particularly those from the Accounts Services, have worked diligently through challenging conditions to uphold financial discipline and public accountability in the region. We now seek equal treatment and justice in retirement, it reads, adding that “We reiterate our sincere gratitude to the Government of India for its continued efforts to improve the welfare of employees and pensioners. We believe that a clear, time-bound, and inclusive roadmap for the functioning of the 8th CPC—along with specific relief measures for pensioners—will go a long way in restoring trust, boosting morale, and upholding the dignity of those who have served the nation with loyalty and dedication. We, therefore, earnestly appeal for your immediate attention and sympathetic consideration of the above submissions.”
JKRAPWF submits memorandum, seeks fulfilment of demands
