Government employees in Jammu & Kashmir on stir over pay arrears

Functioning of government departments and public sector undertakings was affected in the entire Jammu province today as employees began a strike against the "failure" of the administration in fulfilling their demands like release of arrears as per the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

Employees struck work in response to a 4-day strike call given by the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), official sources said here.
    
They were demanding release of arrears of 6th pay commission, 20% hike in HRA, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, removal of pay anomalies and regularisation of adhoc/temporary employees.
    
About 600 employees of different departments held a protest demonstration at SMGS Hospital here since 1000 hours.
    
The EJAC said the strike would continue till April 6 though a cabinet sub-committee has called its leaders for talks this evening.