SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said there is currently no proposal for a general enhancement of wages or remuneration for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Numberdars, Chowkidars, cooks and other similarly placed workers engaged by Government departments and institutions.
The Finance Department said any proposal for revision of wages or remuneration is examined by the concerned administrative department based on the nature of engagement, existing remuneration rates, applicable rules and financial implications before being placed before the competent authority.
The department said the issue has significant financial implications because such workers are engaged across a large number of Government establishments.
In a written reply to an unstarred question by Tral MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik, the Finance Department said the monthly honorarium of Numberdars and Chowkidars was last enhanced in 2016.
Under Government Order No. 59-Rev of 2016 dated April 29, 2016, the honorarium of Numberdars was increased from Rs 751 to Rs 1,501 per month, while that of Chowkidars was raised from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 per month.
The department stated that these rates continue to apply.
It said the engagement of Numberdars and Chowkidars is governed by the applicable Jammu and Kashmir rules.
The reply also addressed representations seeking enhancement of remuneration in view of inflation and increased household expenditure, but the supplied response does not specify the number or details of such representations.
The Government also did not indicate any decision to constitute a committee or a timeline for a comprehensive review of remuneration based on length of service and nature of duties.
The response was issued against Unstarred D. No. 1/6/428 regarding enhancement of wages and remuneration.
