Jammu, 15 Oct 2023: Amid the ongoing unrest against what are perceived as anti-people policies of the authorities, the Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) has staged demonstrations in both Jammu and Srinagar. The protests spotlight the extensive delays in the release of GP Fund payments, Leave Salary, and Gratuity dues owed to employees, according to the Kashmir Media Service.

In Jammu, the demonstration at Hari Singh Park saw participation from hundreds of staff from various cadres of the School Education Department and other sectors. Under the leadership of JKTF Chairman Ganesh Khajuria, the protestors vocalized their demands and expressed their growing frustration over the withholding of GP Fund payments. Khajuria highlighted that numerous employees applied for the emergency fund for reasons ranging from medical treatments to funding their children’s higher education. He emphasized the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the delays, with employees having to navigate bureaucratic procedures to access funds they’ve earned.

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, the protest took place at the Press Enclave. Mohammad Shafi Rather, the Teachers Forum President, led the demonstration where hundreds gathered, echoing their demands and expressing their discontent. Rather criticized the administration, asserting that the employees felt victimized and were essentially being made to plead for their rightfully earned dues. Additionally, he issued a stern warning to the administration, urging them to promptly address and resolve the GP Fund payment issue.