Jammu, Oct 20 (KINS): BJP Jammu and Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma reiterated the party’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of government employees, stressing that their genuine grievances related to service conditions, career progression and retirement benefits deserve timely and sympathetic consideration.
Sat Sharma was interacting with a delegation of Agriculture Extension Assistants (AEAs), which called on him in the presence of BJP MLA Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and submitted a representation highlighting their long-pending demands.
The delegation primarily sought the extension of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to employees appointed under the Rehbar-e-Ziraat scheme and the long-pending merger of Agriculture Extension Assistants with Junior Agriculture Extension Officers (JAEOs).
After hearing the delegation, Sat Sharma said government employees are an important pillar of administrative efficiency and public service delivery. He stressed that their genuine concerns should be addressed through a fair, transparent and responsive mechanism.
He acknowledged the important role played by Agriculture Extension Assistants in strengthening the agricultural sector by providing technical guidance, promoting modern farming practices and maintaining direct contact with farmers at the grassroots level.
He said employees who dedicate their professional lives to improving agricultural productivity and supporting farmers deserve dignity, financial security and fair opportunities for career advancement.
On the demand for extending OPS benefits, Sat Sharma said retirement security remains an important concern for employees and their families, adding that such matters require careful examination within the applicable policy and legal framework.
Regarding the proposed merger of AEAs with JAEOs, he observed that long-pending service-related issues should not remain unresolved indefinitely. He emphasised the need for an objective examination of the demand, taking into account service rules, administrative requirements and career prospects.
Sat Sharma assured the delegation that their representation would be taken up with the appropriate authorities for examination and necessary consideration.
Reiterating the BJP’s commitment to constructive engagement, administrative accountability and justice, he said employees’ welfare and agricultural development must progress together. He assured the delegation of the party’s continued support in pursuing their legitimate demands.
BJP MLA Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal also supported a constructive approach towards resolving the employees’ grievances and appreciated their contribution to agricultural development.(KINS)
BJP committed to safeguarding employees’ rights and interests: Sat Sharma
