Srinagar, July 29: The All Jammu and Kashmir Water Testing Laboratory Staff Association has expressed strong resentment over the delay in the enhancement of honorarium for its employees, alleging that the proposal has remained pending with the Finance Department since 2023 despite receiving approval from the Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department.
In a statement, Association spokesperson Muzamil Qadir said the honorarium enhancement proposal should have been approved by the Jal Shakti Department and the State Water and Sanitation Mission, as the scheme is funded by the Central Government. He questioned the need to refer the matter to the Finance Department, claiming that the expenditure is borne under centrally sponsored funds.
The Association said water testing laboratory employees in Jammu and Kashmir continue to receive lower wages compared to their counterparts in other states, despite performing critical duties related to water quality monitoring and public health.
According to the statement, the employees are engaged in physicochemical and bacteriological testing of drinking water, training Gram Panchayats, schools, colleges and ASHA workers in the use of Field Testing Kits (FTKs), monitoring water quality, uploading test results to the Water Quality Monitoring Cell, and conducting awareness programmes in rural and remote areas.
The Association claimed that many of its members are highly qualified and were recruited through a proper selection process. It alleged that despite rendering years of service, their contribution has not been adequately recognised and their future has become uncertain as many have crossed the upper age limit for direct government recruitment.
The Association also expressed concern over the alleged non-creation of laboratory staff posts in line with the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. It said that instead of creating posts such as Chief Chemist, Chemists and other technical staff for water testing laboratories, other posts had been approved, which it described as contrary to the Centre’s guidelines.
Appealing to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jal Shakti Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, the Association urged the government to approve the pending honorarium enhancement through the State Water and Sanitation Mission and recommend the creation of dedicated laboratory posts as per the prescribed guidelines.
The Association warned that if its demands, particularly the enhancement of honorarium, are not addressed, the employees will be compelled to launch an indefinite strike.
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