Ganderbal May 1, 7: A complete pen down strike of Patwaries and Gridawars of revenue department in Ganderbal entered its fourth day on Thursday.
Sources within the revenue department said Patwaris and Gridawars started a pen down strike on Monday against the government for not fulfilling their demands.
They said the demands include grade pay of graduate Patwaris, abolishing the direct recruitment of Naib Tehsildars, placement of GQs to the post of Naib Tehsildar, Construction of Patwar Khana and timely promotion of Girdarwars and Patwaris.
“People are facing huge difficulties because of this strike,” said a local resident, Ghulam Ahmad Dar. “I have been visiting the Tehsil office in Ganderbal from last three days as I have to prepare some important documents in the office but no Patwari or Gridiwar is present there.”
Showket Ahmad, a member of Patwar association Ganderbal said, “We are being compelled to go on strike. We don’t have any other option but to stage protest. The government has taken advantage of our silence.”
Mehraj-U-Din, President of Patwaris association Ganderbal said, “Grade pay of Patwaries, whose recruitment qualification was graduation, is just Rs 2400 while as the Grade pay of employees of other departments having the same recruitment qualification is Rs 2800.”
“This is sheer discrimination with us. We are also against direct recruitment of Naib Tehsildars. Tehsildar is a technical post. Direct recruitment of NT is totally irrational,” said Mehraj-U-Din adding the indefinite strike will continue till our demands are met.
