Srinagar, Sept 17, KNT: Mounting frustration is brewing among government employees in Jammu and Kashmir over what they describe as prolonged delays in the disbursal of their General Provident Fund (GPF) claims, medical reimbursements, gratuity, and leave salary bills. Employees say that non-payment of these dues, some pending for months, has pushed many families into financial distress at a time when such savings are most needed.
At the heart of the concern, according to employees, is the GPF, considered the hard-earned savings of an employee, traditionally drawn upon during crucial life events such as the marriage of children, higher education, or medical emergencies. Employees told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that when these funds are withheld during times of urgent need, the very purpose of such savings is undermined. “The money is deducted from our salaries every month, yet when it is required, it remains stuck in treasuries without explanation,” said one employee.
In addition to GPF, employees said that gratuity, leave salary, and medical reimbursement bills are also awaiting clearance, creating widespread unease within the workforce. Employees questioned the absence of accountability, pointing out that no official clarification has been issued regarding the reasons behind the delays.
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The issue has gained sharper focus since the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, when the Central Government Provident Fund Rules of 1960 became applicable in the Union Territory. These rules clearly stipulate that GPF withdrawals should be released within 15 days of application, and in urgent or grievous cases, within seven days. Employees allege that the rules are being “grossly violated,” with claims often languishing for months without resolution.
The financial bottleneck has, according to employees, left them unable to meet pressing household expenses and obligations. “This is not just a delay; it is a denial of what is legally and morally ours. Families are suffering because authorities have failed to streamline the process,” said an employee from south Kashmir.
While employees maintained that they are hopeful the administration will step in to defuse the crisis, they said that the government must streamline the disbursal of GPF, gratuity, medical reimbursements, and leave salaries without further delay. [KNT]
