 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 16: In solidarity with the nationwide strike called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions, employees of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in Jammu & Kashmir staged massive demonstrations outside their offices. Led by the All India Insurance Employees' Association, the protests aimed to voice support for the demands of workers, peasants, and citizens against what they perceive as anti-worker and anti-people policies of the central government.
Addressing the gathering at D.O.Cell Jammu, Com. Pawan Gupta, Divisional Secretary of Northern Zone Insurance Employees' Association, highlighted the key demands put forth by LIC employees. These demands include opposing the privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), advocating for a minimum wage of Rs. 26,000 per month for workers, abolishing contractualization of jobs, restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and scrapping the National Pension System (NPS).
Additionally, the demonstrators emphasized the pending wage revision for LIC employees, despite the remarkable performance of LIC, which recorded a substantial increase in net profit and total income. They also called for immediate recruitment in LIC, particularly in Class 3 and 4 positions, citing the aging profile of the institution and the need for infusion of young talent.
The event saw participation from various leaders and members, including Joint Secretaries Rajesh Gupta and Raj Kumar Sharma, Treasurer Com. Rajesh Kumar, Office Secretary Com. Raj Kumar, and members of the Women's sub-committee, among others. Similar demonstrations were organized in different regions of Jammu & Kashmir, with leaders such as Com. Aadil, Amarjeet Singh, Ajaz Ah Dar, Javed Bukhari, and others leading the efforts. Across locations including Kathua, Samba, R.S. Pura, Udhampur, Rajouri, Doda, and Poonch, LIC employees united to express their solidarity with the larger movement advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and the protection of public sector institutions. These demonstrations underscore the determination of LIC employees to stand in support of their demands and the broader struggles for social justice and economic equality. |
