End bias against Jammu, power workers urge state

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 10

Seeking regular jobs and wages, the Power Employees’ and Engineers’ Coordination Committee on Monday appealed to the state administration to end the discrimination with the daily earners of the Jammu region.

Addressing a press conference, the committee also demanded implementation of Sadr-e-Riyasat Ordinance (SRO) for assured career progression of gazetted engineers even though the scheme stands approved at par with the KAS/KPS officers by the Cabinet.

“The SRO-56 in favour of engineers is pending, while it was issued immediately for KAS/KPS officers. Engineers are feeling demoralised as the successive governments have followed discriminatory policies against them,” said Sachin Tickoo, convener of the committee.

It claimed that the daily earners of the Jammu region had witnessed severe discrimination. Daily earners engaged in Kashmir in 2009 have been regularised, while those engaged in the Jammu region in 1996 are still waiting for it, the committee added.

“The issue of the regularisation of daily earners of Jammu province has hit a roadblock. The state administration headed by Governor SP Malik should immediately seek a status report on the issue and fix responsibility of the officials concerned,” said Jaipal Sharma, president, Diploma Engineers’ Association.

The committee has also demanded increase in the field travel allowance. “Field travel allowance of Rs 30 per month is being paid to the feeder managers since 1960. This is a joke with the employees of the department,” said Balbir Singh, Draftsman Association.