Jammu, Jan 29:
Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employees of the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory have found a strong advocate in Dr. Rameshwar Singh, the Hon’ble MLA for the Bani Constituency. In a high-level meeting held today, a delegation led by the J&K MTS Association formally apprised the lawmaker of the severe pay disparities and structural inequities currently plaguing the cadre.
The Core Issue: A Widening Gap
The delegation, which included Mr. Beenu Sharma, General Secretary of the J&K MTS Association, presented a detailed briefing on how the current remuneration structure for MTS staff in J&K has fallen behind both Central Pay Commission (CPC) norms and the pay scales of their counterparts in other States.
The primary grievances highlighted during the meeting include:
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Deviation from Central Norms: While Central Government MTS employees follow a unified pay structure under the 7th CPC, J&K employees remain categorized under sub-levels (SL1, SL2, SL3) that create a significant financial deficit.
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Equal Pay for Equal Work: The delegation argued that despite performing the same responsibilities as their peers across the country, J&K’s MTS workforce is facing “socio-economic stagnation” due to lower grade pay.
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Impact of 8th Pay Commission: With the 8th Pay Commission expected to take effect in early 2026, employees fear that without rectifying existing disparities, the gap will only become more insurmountable.
MLA’s Assurance: “A Genuine Concern”
Dr. Rameshwar Singh gave a patient hearing to the delegation, acknowledging that the concerns raised were not only legitimate but urgent. The MLA, known for his vocal stance on the regularization of daily wagers and employee welfare, expressed his commitment to ensuring administrative equity for the essential workforce.
“The backbone of our departments cannot be left struggling with such deep-seated disparities. I have listened to the grievances of our MTS brothers and sisters, and I find their case to be entirely genuine,” Dr. Rameshwar Singh remarked following the meeting.
The meeting concluded on a highly optimistic note for the association. Dr. Singh has assured the delegation that he will:
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Raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly Session.
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Advocate for the alignment of J&K MTS pay scales with Central Pay Commission standards.
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Pressure the Finance Department to review the impact of previous SROs that created the current sub-level tiers.
The J&K MTS Association has welcomed the assurance, viewing it as a critical step toward achieving “Equal Pay for Equal Work” in the Union Territory.
