Open letter to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Open letter to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

I write this open letter with deep distress and urgency to bring to your kind attention a matter of utmost concern. I am one of the 38 employees appointed under the PHE Jalshakti department, as per Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Order No. DCB/PS/23/2020, dated 17/12/2020, who have been deprived of salaries for the past 29 months.
I am writing on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues to emphasize the immense suffering and severe financial hardships we have endured due to the inexplicable delay in salary disbursement. Despite our unwavering dedication, commitment, and diligent fulfillment of our professional responsibilities, we have not received our rightful salaries.
The prolonged non-payment has pushed us to the brink of despair and desperation. Our financial situation has deteriorated to such an extent that it has reduced me to beggary. I feel compelled to share that my neighbor, out of sheer kindness, has given me his second-hand clothes to wear. It is a painful reality that I never imagined I would face.
On the last Eid, I was fortunate to receive assistance from some neighbours who recognized the dire situation I am in. However, it is disheartening to rely on charity and handouts when all we seek is fair remuneration for our hard work and dedication.
The repercussions of this salary non-disbursement extend far beyond the financial aspect. The mounting debts and financial obligations have become overwhelming. I find myself unable to afford essential medical expenses, compromising my family members’ health and well-being. The disruption of my daily livelihood and the strain on my quality of life have taken a toll on my mental and emotional state. The constant worry about providing for my family and meeting our basic needs has caused significant distress, leading to strained relationships and familial discord.
Honorable Lt. Governor, I appeal to your good self’s esteemed position to intervene promptly and ensure the immediate release of our long overdue salaries. We implore your good self to consider the gravity of our situation and the immense hardships we are enduring. Your swift action in resolving this issue would not only alleviate our suffering but also restore our livelihoods and provide a glimmer of hope for a better future.
I am deeply saddened to mention the tragic case of Shoaib Mir, who took his own life due to the distress caused by his father’s unpaid salary for two years. It is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating consequences that prolonged salary delays can have on individuals and their families. We fear that our department, too, may be waiting for such a tragic event before releasing our salaries. This thought fills us with immense sadness and frustration, as we believe that our worth should not be measured by such extreme measures.
We sincerely hope that you understand the urgency and critical nature of our plea. Lives are at stake, and the release of our long overdue salaries is not just a matter of financial stability but also a question of our dignity and well-being.
I express my heartfelt gratitude for your good self’s prompt attention to this matter. Your intervention and decisive action will make a significant difference in the lives of the 38 employees who have been left without salaries for nearly two and a half years. We remain hopeful that your good self will champion our cause and ensure the release of our long-overdue salaries without further delay.
Yours sincerely
Name withheld
An employee of PHE Jal Shakti Baramulla

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