SRINAGAR: Lumberdars and Chowkidars in Jammu and Kashmir continue to receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,501 and Rs 1,500 respectively, with the Government telling the Legislative Assembly that no proposal is currently under consideration to introduce a policy covering their service security or retirement benefits.
The information was provided by the Revenue Department in response to a starred question tabled by MLA Vikram Randhawa.
According to the department, the present honorarium rates were fixed in 2016 through Government Order No. 59-Rev of 2016, dated April 29, 2016, following Cabinet Decision No. 15/02/2016 of April 27, 2016.
The revision raised the monthly payment for Lumberdars from Rs 751 to Rs 1,501, while the honorarium for Chowkidars was increased from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500.
Asked whether the Government planned to increase their honorarium in line with the applicable minimum wages, the department listed the existing rates but did not indicate any fresh revision or timeline.
The Revenue Department was also asked whether it intended to formulate a comprehensive policy or introduce legislation providing service security, pension or retirement benefits, recognition of services and financial security for Lumberdars and Chowkidars.
In response, the department stated that “no such proposal is under consideration” at present.
The reply was issued by the Revenue Department on behalf of the Minister in-charge of Revenue.
