Naeem Akhtar hits out at govt over employee crisis

Srinagar, Mar 14: Senior political leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar has strongly criticised the government for the continued delay in releasing salaries and pending payments to employees and contractors across Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the situation has pushed thousands of families into serious financial distress.

In a statement issued today, Akhtar said the government’s repeated claims of financial stability stand in sharp contrast to the reality faced by employees and workers on the ground. He said that while the administration continues to make tall claims about surplus funds and development, basic financial commitments towards those who serve the system remain unfulfilled.

Akhtar expressed deep concern over the plight of employees working under the National Health Mission, who have reportedly not received their salaries for months. He said these employees form the backbone of the healthcare system and played a crucial role during difficult times, yet they are now being forced to struggle for their own livelihoods.

He further stated that contractors across the Union Territory are facing severe financial strain as their legitimate payments have remained pending for months. According to him, many contractors invested their resources to execute government projects, but the delay in clearing dues has placed them under immense pressure and uncertainty.

Raising another serious concern, Akhtar said many government employees are still waiting for the release of their General Provident Fund (GP Fund) and retirement benefits such as gratuity and leave salary. He said these are hard-earned savings of employees and delaying them without justification is both unjust and insensitive.

Akhtar also highlighted the plight of daily rated workers, many of whom continue to serve various departments despite facing irregular or delayed wages. He said these workers belong to economically weaker sections and depend entirely on their daily earnings to support their families.

He further expressed concern over the situation of Special Police Officers (SPOs) who continue to perform critical duties on the ground but often face uncertainty regarding timely payments and service conditions. According to Akhtar, these personnel play an important role in maintaining law and order and deserve greater financial security and respect for their service.

“If the government claims that it has sufficient and even surplus funds, then why are employees, contractors, daily wagers and SPOs suffering?” Akhtar asked. “The administration cannot continue making grand announcements while failing to fulfil its most basic financial obligations.”

Akhtar said the situation is particularly painful as it is unfolding during the sacred month of Ramadan, when families already face additional expenses related to fasting and charity. With only a few days left before Eid al‑Fitr, he said thousands of families across Jammu and Kashmir remain uncertain about how they will manage their household needs.

Calling it a failure of the government’s financial management, Akhtar urged Omar Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, to immediately intervene and ensure the release of pending salaries, contractor payments, GP Fund dues, wages of daily wagers and the dues of SPOs.

“Governance cannot be measured by speeches and announcements,” Akhtar said. “Employees and workers deserve dignity, respect and timely payment for their services. Ignoring their hardships, especially during such an important time, reflects poorly on the government.”