MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President has approved the revision in the Local Government and Rural Development rules, resolving the pending issue of salaries and pensions of local government employees.
The notification issued by the Local Government and Rural Development on Friday stated several changes in the financial system of the said department aimed at resolving the issue of employees waiting for long-standing salary and pension dues.
The Azad Kashmir cabinet has ratified important amendments under the Rules of Procedure 1985. The notification will come into effect immediately.
As per details, the transfer of the pension of local government employees will be made directly from the Accountant General’s Office.
“The amount deducted from the salaries of employees of local government institutions from the Accountant General’s Office level will be transferred to the Government Treasury or Pension Fund instead of the Local Government Board,” the notification read.
Furthermore, it was stated that the 15% pension contribution due on the income received by the local bodies will be transferred to the pension fund established by the government instead of the local government board.
In addition to that, for the timely collection of the above-mentioned 15% pension, all the Chief Officers/Secretaries (DDOs) of the local bodies are appointed as single DDOs up to the extent of the pension contribution.
As per the notification, the decision was taken because all the DDOs transfer the due pension contribution to the Accountant General’s Office at the end of every month without any excuse.
“The DDO of the concerned body is responsible for the timely payment of 15% pension contribution; therefore, in case of non-payment at any time, the Finance Department/Accountant General Office will be authorized to take action to stop the salary of the DDO of the concerned body,” it added.
Earlier, hundreds of employees protested for their due salaries and pensions and went on strike. However, the incumbent government has ended the frustration among local government employees.
