Malik Jehangir
SRINAGAR: The higher ups of Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) are virtually playing a game of nerves with the retired employees of the corporation who have running from pillar to post so that the retirement benefits to them are paid.
Despite the fact that the Transport Department released 15 crores to the Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation for payment of wages and other liabilities to the employees and retired employees twice last year the later ones are yet to receive their dues.
The amount of 15 crores was paid in two installments in March and June last year with the hope that the liabilities of retired employees of the corporation would be paid. However, the hopes have remained mere hopes as no headway has been made in this regard so far.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the release of Rs. 750 lakhs (Rupees seven crore fifty lakh only) as interest free loan for the financial year of 2017-2018 along with sanction to the advance drawal of the same by Transport Department for its further placement with Managing Director, J&K State Road Transport Corporation for meeting expenditure on account of salaries/wages bills of the staff during current financial year,” wrote Secretary, Transport Department in the government order 21-TR of 2018 dated 15-03-2018.
In the order it has been written that release of funds shall be subject to the conditions as laid down in Government Order No. 45-F of 2002 dated 27-03-2002. Besides, MD JKSRTC shall ensure that 25 percent of the budgetary support is to be earmarked for meeting statutory liabilities of the retired employees of the Corporation, it read.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the release of interest free budgetary support amounting to Rs. 750 lakhs (Rupees seven crore fifty lakh only) as 1st installment along with advance drawal of the said amount by Transport Department for its further placement with Managing Director, J&K State Road Transport Corporation for meeting salaries/wages bill of the staff during current financial year,” wrote Secretary, Transport Department in the government order 42-TR of 2018 dated 21-06-2018.
Sources said that Rs. 5.54 crores were sanctioned by the Transport Department on February 1, 2014 for the payment of statutory liabilities of the employees of J&K SRTC. Despite the fact that over the years the huge amount has been released for the payment of liabilities of the retired employees of the Corporation no headway whatsoever has been made so far in this regard.
“The aggrieved employees had moved the court and the court directions too failed to move the higher ups of the Corporation. Following this two contempt notices were issued to the higher ups of the Corporation and it was expected that this time around some difference would be made, but that was not to be,” said sources.
Sources said that the aggrieved employees also approached the Crime Branch of Jammu & Kashmir Police. Although, the Crime Branch also issued notices to the higher ups of the Corporation no difference has been made with the retired employees continuing to suffer.