Approximately 600 retired employees of the disbanded J&K Cements have been tirelessly seeking justice since 2021, as the Department of Industries and Commerce (I&C) has yet to settle their retirement dues totalling Rs 184 crore. These retirees, who were part of J&K Cements, have faced partial or complete non-payment of retirement benefits dating back to 2006.
The situation worsened after the government decided to disinvest in the loss-making JK Cements, leaving these retirees in a state of limbo. Hence, despite their efforts, these retired employees have seen little progress in resolving their grievances.
Tragically, over the years, 120 of these retirees, who had dedicated over three decades to the organisation, passed away without receiving their due retirement benefits. This failure of higher authorities to address their concerns has left many of them struggling to afford essential medications and fulfil familial obligations.
Each retired employee of J&K Cements bears an average liability ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 90 lakh, totalling to Rs 40 lakh on average. Yet the government has not taken decisive action to settle these dues.
Representatives of the JK Cements Retired Employees Association lamented the lack of concrete responses from government officials. They pointed out the disparity in treatment between in-service and retired employees following the closure of J&K Cements, with the latter left in financial uncertainty.
In their appeals to government authorities, the Association has urged for the release of at least Rs 25 crore from the disinvestment proceeds to address the immediate needs of retired employees
