Srinagar, April(KNB): An urgent and extraordinary meeting of the Provincial Body of the Food and Supplies Employees Association Kashmir was convened at its Head Office under the chairmanship of its President, senior trade union leader and Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Consultative Committee (JKEJCC), Ajaz Khan.
The meeting was attended by key provincial office bearers, including Senior Vice President Haji Abdul Qayoom Beigh, Convenor Muneer Phalgaroo, Vice President Shahnawaz Ahangar, and General Secretary Ferooz Najar. Several senior members, including Noor Mohd Bhat, Manzoor Ishbari, Maajid Gulzar, Haji Fida Mohammad, Bilal Pathan, Mukhtar Wani, Afzal Parimoo, Saleem Shah, and District President Srinagar Syed Parvez Raja, were also present.
The agenda, presented by the General Secretary, focused on reviewing long-pending and critical issues affecting employees of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Kashmir, along with discussions on strengthening the organizational structure of the Association.
After detailed deliberations, the Association expressed serious concern over what it termed as persistent neglect and delays in addressing employees’ genuine demands. The house unanimously resolved that several long-pending issues require immediate attention.
A key issue highlighted was the placement of Store Keepers as Tehsil Supply Officers (TSOs) in their Own Pay and Grade (OPG). The Association pointed out that nearly 130 TSO posts remain vacant, leading to an administrative vacuum and overburdening existing officers with multiple charges, thereby affecting the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). It warned that such conditions could lead to irregularities and mismanagement, stressing that immediate action is necessary to ensure accountability and transparency.
The Association also raised concerns over delays in finalising the seniority list of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) appointed through SSRB since 2020. Terming the delay a violation of service norms, it demanded immediate finalisation of the list and the convening of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) to ensure timely promotions.
Another major issue discussed was the pay disparity affecting Assistant Storekeepers (ASKs). The Association demanded an upgrade from Pay Level-2 to Pay Level-4 in line with their responsibilities, along with a reduction in the qualifying service for promotion from five years to three years.
During the meeting, members welcomed the newly appointed Director, Naazim Zai Khan, and appreciated his positive and employee-friendly approach since taking charge. The Association expressed hope that under his leadership, pending issues would be addressed promptly.
The house also reviewed the previously announced two-hour protest scheduled for April 20, 2026, against the alleged inaction of previous authorities. However, adopting a conciliatory approach, it was decided that a delegation would first meet the Director to submit a detailed memorandum and seek time-bound resolution of their demands.
The Association warned that while it remains committed to dialogue, any further delay could lead to intensified agitation, holding the concerned authorities responsible.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Association assured employees that their rights, dignity, and welfare would be safeguarded at all costs. It also cautioned against any actions detrimental to the collective interests of employees.
“Unity, dignity, and justice for employees shall remain our guiding principles, and no force can deter us from achieving our rightful demands,” the Association said in a statement.(KNB)