SRINAGAR: Normal work in the revenue department remains affected as the strike of revenue officials (Patwaris) seeking abolition of pay anomalies entered its second week.
Demonstrations were reported from many district headquarters of the state. The Patwaris are demanding, inter alia, removal of pay anomalies through implementation of Sixth Pay Commission from retrospective effect, and recruitment of more revenue officials.
Despite assurances in this regard, the state government did not pay any heed to our demands. We are compelled to go on strike as the government is insensitive towards our demands, said association president Afaq Ahamd.
Alleging that government is responsible for the hardships people face, association President Afaq Ahmad said, The government has already accepted our demands way back in 2008 but, the orders are not being implemented. We gave a years time to the government but they are asking for more which is not acceptable to us, he added.
The prime demand of Patwaris is to construct Patwar khanas (record rooms) for the protection and preservation of revenue records. In the absence of these patwar-khanas the records are constantly moved from place to place which eventually results in wear and tear of it. I dont think it needs less care than any of our holy, religious books. If any small portion of this book gets lost or damaged it will, undoubtedly, prove detrimental for the whole revenue village. Poor peasants would be the worst affected lot who needs to visit central record rooms most often for every minute detail, said one of Patwari.
When contacted, senior cabinet minister Ali Mohammad Sagar said, Chief Minster has directed revenue minister look into the grievances of the revenue officials and hell hold talks with them shortly. (KNS)
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