JKTDC employees’ indefinite protest enters 19th day

Jammu: The indefinite peaceful protest launched by the JKTDC Employees Union (Jammu Division) entered its 19th consecutive day on Thursday, with employees demanding the immediate resolution of long-pending service, financial and administrative issues concerning the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).

The Union expressed serious concern over the continued delay in addressing employees’ genuine grievances, including pending salaries, 52 months of outstanding CPF/EPF contributions, retirement benefits, regularization of eligible daily-rated workers and departmental promotions.

Union President Qamar Din appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Secretary and the Managing Director of JKTDC to intervene personally and ensure a time-bound settlement of all pending issues.

Highlighting the prolonged stagnation in employees’ careers, the Union pointed out that the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) has not been convened for nearly 12 years. It demanded the clearance of outstanding retirement benefits, adequate budgetary support for the Corporation, regularization of eligible workers who have served for over 20 years, filling of vacant posts and timely payment of wages and other admissible service benefits.

Emphasizing the need for long-term institutional stability, the Union also called for a comprehensive policy to revive and modernize JKTDC and ensure its financial sustainability.The Union stated that employees have continued to serve the tourism sector with dedication despite prolonged financial hardship and uncertainty. The continued delay in resolving their grievances has adversely affected their morale, financial security and the livelihoods of their families.

Reiterating its commitment to a peaceful and democratic struggle, the Union stated that the indefinite protest would continue until concrete measures were taken to address the employees’ long-pending demands.Meanwhile, JKTDC Employees Union Jammu Division President Qamar Din, Chairman Arvin Tickoo and General Secretary Ananta Koul expressed gratitude to the Unit Managers and employees of Ramban, Batote, Patnitop, Sanasar, Kud, Padora (Patnitop), TRC Katra, Tourist Bungalow Katra, Yatrika Niwas Katra, Jia Pota Akhnoor and Chichi Mata Ji for participating in the one-hour peaceful protest held at their respective units from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

The Union appreciated the solidarity and collective determination demonstrated by employees across these units, stating that the photographs and videos shared by them reflected their continued commitment to the common cause.The Union further appealed to all Unit Managers and employees to maintain the same spirit of unity by organizing peaceful protests at their respective units from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon the following day and sharing photographs and videos of their participation.The Union urged all employees to remain united, peaceful and steadfast in their struggle for justice, dignity and the timely settlement of their long-pending demands.