Much to the frustration of the Jammu Kashmir Police Constables, the department has not promoted a single constable from past 18 years. The irony is that Constables appointed in 1996 were promoted to Selection Grade Constables only after the expiry of 4 years, but those who got job in the police department as constables since 1999 have been awaiting a single promotion from past 18 years.The ‘faulty’ promotion policy of the Jammu Kashmir Police Department has not only been annoying to the deserved employees but it has also led to resentment. Sources told news agency CNS that thousands of constables who got the job in the department since 1999 have been eagerly waiting for their promotions to the next rank. “I got the job in 1999 and since then I didn’t get a single promotion. Despite the fact that Selection Grade Constable quota was enhanced by the Department from 25 to 50 per cent, but we didn’t get any benefit out of it,” said a police constable wishing anonymity.The police constables have been facing tremendous problems. With the increase in Selection Grade Constable quota they had been expecting promotions but till date no measures have been taken to promote them to the next rank.
“No fixation has been done for those who were promoted in 1998 as Selection Grade Constables. It’s again worrisome. The 1998 promotees get only Rs 1900 Grade Pay while they deserve Rs 2400 as Grade Pay as per fixation of salary,” said a cop.Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who had lauded the role of police for restoring normalcy in Kashmir Valley after 2010 uprising had announced ‘Hardship Allowance’ for the police department. However, much to the disappointment of the police force, instead of 20 per cent Hardship Allowance only 10 per cent was sanctioned.“Leave aside the mega Risk Allowance and other perquisites, we have only been given a meager Rs 70 monthly allowance while for the same job, Para military Central Reserve Police Force get Rs 3400. It is totally injustice towards the work force that serves the department and the State day in day out,” the constables said still expecting enhancement in their Risk and Hardship Allowance from the incumbent government.“Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti hailed our role during the current Assembly Session. We were expecting some sort of enhancement in different allowances, but nothing was done in this regard,” they said.When contacted, Director General of Police Dr SP Ved told CNS that he is aware about the hardships faced by the police force. “The grievances of constables and others working in the department will be addressed without any delay. I have already intimated Inspector General of Police of both zones to look into the matter related to the promotions. All the issues will be resolved in coming months,” Police Chief said. (CNS)