Jammu: The indefinite protest by employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) entered its 26th consecutive day on Friday, October 23, as workers continued to demand a clear job policy and action on their long-pending service and financial issues.
The protest, launched by the JKTDC Employees Union (Jammu Division) on September 28, has brought together regular employees, daily-rated workers, retirees and union representatives. The union has said that repeated representations and assurances have not led to a concrete resolution of their concerns.
A major demand is the regularisation of eligible daily-rated workers who have completed more than 20 years of continuous service. Employees have also sought a clear policy for their service conditions and future employment.
Their other demands include the timely release of monthly salaries, clearance of pending Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) and Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, and payment of retirement benefits such as gratuity and leave salary.
The union has also called for adequate budgetary support to improve JKTDC’s financial position and ensure that employee payments and other statutory obligations are met on time.
Employees seek action on long-pending demands
Another key issue is the delay in holding Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings. The union has said that the process has not taken place for nearly 12 years, affecting employees’ career progression. It has demanded that pending promotions be addressed and vacant posts filled.
The employees have also urged the government and corporation management to take steps to strengthen JKTDC and address its long-term financial and administrative challenges.
Union representatives have appealed to the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the corporation’s Managing Director to intervene and ensure a time-bound resolution of the issues.
The protest has continued peacefully, with employees maintaining that they will carry on their agitation until concrete steps are taken to address their demands. The union has stressed that a clear policy and timely action are needed to end the prolonged uncertainty faced by workers.