The Kashmir Dialogues
Bilal Ganie
GANDERBAL: The carders (CCs and CDEOs) of the Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) have written to the authorities, seeking a revision of the current policy regarding the disbursement of honorarium. The carders, (CCs and CDEOs) who are part of the UMEED initiative, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the existing policy, which requires them to collect their honorarium from the respective CLF office.
A delegation of JKRLM carders (CCs and CDEOs) told, that other states have a more structured and supportive system in place, where carders receive their salaries directly from their respective heads, based on their work and contributions. They have proposed that their honorarium be disbursed in a similar manner, directly from the head office, based on their performance and contributions. The carders have also expressed their concern over the meagre honorarium they have been receiving, which has remained unchanged at Rs 8,000 and Rs 5,500 for the past eight years. Despite previous discussions and attempts to address these issues, the carders feel that their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
The CCS and CDEOS of the UMEED Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission have decided to go on strike. “The carders are seeking a more streamlined payment process, which would not only motivate them to continue contributing effectively towards the goals of JKRLM but also provide them with a more dignified and sustainable livelihood,” one of the delegates said. The JKRLM, which aims to reduce poverty in the state by building strong grassroots institutions for the poor, has been working towards empowering rural women and providing them with livelihood opportunities. However, the concerns raised by the carders (CCs and CDEs) highlight the need for a more supportive and sustainable system to be put in place. When contacted, Mission Director Dr Shubhra Sharma told Kashmir Reader that revised guidelines from the Government of India have been issued to straighten the cadre and priority of their cadre, and these will be implemented to address grievances automatically.
Kifayat Ah
TKD Desk
Sheikh Sameer
