SNS KASHMIR
Srinagar:Lamberdars and Chowkidars from Tehsil Mandi in District Poonch and Tehsil Baramulla have raised a strong plea before the elected government and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, demanding the immediate release of all pending honorariums, a genuine hike in salary in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act, provision of pension after retirement, and regularization of their services.
The demand was voiced by the Lamberdar Association, led by its General Secretary Malik Yaseen Hassan, who highlighted the long-standing neglect faced by these grassroots-level functionaries.
He said that Lamberdars and Chowkidars play a crucial role as a vital link between the administration and the common public, yet their issues continue to remain unresolved.The association reminded the government that despite rendering essential services at the village level, they are denied basic financial security and social protectionMeanwhile, JKLCU Chairman Mukesh Parihar Sarazi strongly urged the government to revoke SRO-412 dated September 29, 2017, and frame a regular and comprehensive policy for Lamberdars and Chowkidars.
He emphasized that Lambardari and Chowkidari are their primary occupations, but the existing honorarium is grossly inadequate to meet even basic household needs.He further said that many Lamberdars and Chowkidars are unable to afford school tuition fees for their children and are living under miserable socio-economic conditions, despite serving the administration faithfully for years.
The association appealed to the government to address their genuine demands at the earliest in the interest of justice and welfare of these frontline workers.