FWA employees stage protest, seek release of pending salaries

SRINAGAR — The Family Welfare Association Employees protested today against the six-month delay in the payment of their salaries.

Employees from several districts gathered in the Press Enclave Srinagar and blocked the main road here to protest the authorities’ failure to release their monthly salaries on time.

They said that they are struggling to feed their families as their salaries have been withheld for the last six months. “We are working without pay, and as a result, our families are suffering badly. The authorities should be aware of this,” they said.

They allege that they are unable to repay the bank loans, and that salary delays have put them in a tough situation. “We are unable to pay our children’s regular school and college expenses,” they explained.

“This is an injustice because we are continually working hard for the betterment of society. Our pay has been withheld and we are being forced to suffer on a daily basis. We worked as frontline workers throughout the epidemic, and instead of being recognized for our efforts, we have been sidelined,” one of the female protestors said.

They warned the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to resolve their issue on a priority basis otherwise they will be left with no option other than going on hunger strike.