Srinagar, May 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), Chairman Ab Qayoom Wani has appealed to the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to ensure the advance release of salaries and pensions of employees and pensioners well before Eid-ul-Azha, preferably before 25th May, so that lakhs of families across the Union Territory are able to perform the sacred obligation of Qurbani without financial hardship.
Wani stated that Eid-ul-Azha is among the most revered and spiritually significant occasions for Muslims and involves substantial expenditure related to Qurbani, travel, family commitments, and festive preparations.
Wani maintained that any delay in the release of salaries and pensions would severely affect employees, pensioners, widows, and economically weaker sections, depriving many families of the opportunity to observe the religious traditions associated with the holy festival in a dignified manner.
The Forum urged the Chief Minister, the Lieutenant Governor-led administration, and the Finance Department to adopt a humanitarian and people-friendly approach by facilitating the timely disbursement of pay and pensions before Eid-ul-Azha, thereby bringing relief and happiness to lakhs of households.
Wani also demanded that the Eid-ul-Azha holiday period be extended to four days in view of the diverse religious, social, and travel-related engagements associated with the festival.
The Forum observed that thousands of people travel to their native places, perform religious duties over multiple days, host family gatherings, and remain engaged in sacrificial rituals and post-Qurbani responsibilities, making an extended holiday period both justified and necessary.
Wani expressed hope that the Government and the LG administration will respond positively to the genuine aspirations of employees, pensioners, and the general public and take an early decision in the larger public interest.
