FSE Association Kashmir urges immediate redressal of long‑pending staff issues

• By RK Online Desk
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• 05 Apr 2026

Srinagar, 05 April : In an urgent and extraordinary meeting held at its Head Office, the Food and Supplies Employees Association Kashmir has strongly called for the immediate resolution of several long‑pending and critical issues affecting employees of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Kashmir.

The meeting was chaired by senior trade union leader and President of the Association, Ajaz Khan, who also serves as Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Consultative Committee (JKEJCC). Key provincial office‑bearers, including Haji Abdul Qayoom Beigh (Senior Vice President), Muneer Phalgaroo (Convenor), Shahnawaz Ahangar (Vice President) and Ferooz Najar (General Secretary), along with other senior leaders and Srinagar District President Syed Parvez Raja, participated in the deliberations.

Addressing the gathering, General Secretary Ferooz Najar placed before the house a comprehensive review of the prolonged grievances of employees and the need for strengthening the organizational framework of the Association.

After detailed discussions, the Association expressed “deep anguish and serious concern” over continued neglect and delay by authorities in addressing staff demands. It passed a unanimous resolution seeking urgent action on the following key issues:

Placement of Store Keepers as TSOs in OPG

The Association reiterated its demand for the placement of Store Keepers as Tehsil Supply Officers (TSOs) in their Own Pay and Grade (OPG). With nearly 130 TSO posts lying vacant, the Association highlighted the administrative vacuum at the field level. Members warned that overburdened TSOs tasked with multiple circles jeopardize the efficient supervision of the Public Distribution System, increasing the risk of irregularities and mismanagement. Immediate placement of eligible Store Keepers as TSOs was termed “imperative and non‑negotiable.”

 _{Finalisation of MTS Seniority List & Conduct of DPCs}

The Association strongly condemned the delay in finalisation of the seniority list of Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) appointed through the SSRB since 2020, calling it a violation of service norms that has adversely impacted career progression and staff morale. The meeting demanded the seniority list be finalised without delay and that Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) be convened without further postponement to ensure timely promotions.

Pay Disparity & Grade Revision for Assistant Storekeepers

Serious concern was also voiced over pay disparities faced by Assistant Storekeepers (ASKs). Members urged upgrading ASKs from Pay Level‑2 to Pay Level‑4, consistent with their duties and responsibilities. The Association also called for reduction in qualifying years for promotion from five to three years, terming current conditions “unjust and detrimental to career growth.”

Welcome to New Director, Optimism for Solutions

The Association extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed Director, Naazim Zai Khan, commending his prompt and employee‑friendly approach since taking charge. Members expressed optimism that, under his leadership, their long‑standing concerns would be addressed earnestly.

Protest Deferred in Favour of Dialogue

While reviewing a previously announced two‑hour protest scheduled for April 20, 2026, the house unanimously decided to hold off on the agitation. Instead, a high‑level delegation will meet the Director to submit a detailed memorandum of demands and seek a time‑bound redressal. The Association clarified that it remains committed to institutional dialogue but warned that continued indifference would compel it to escalate agitation, with responsibility for any delay resting squarely with the concerned authorities.

Reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare, the Association vowed that “there will be no compromise on legitimate rights, dignity, and welfare of employees under any circumstances.”

“Unity, dignity, and justice for employees shall remain our guiding principles, and no force can deter us from achieving our rightful demands,” the resolution stated.