Ajaz Khan extends support to pensioners’ protest call

Srinagar, Mar 13: Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Employees Joint Consultative Committee (JKEJCC), Ajaz Khan, Frifay expressed complete solidarity with the protest programme and the observance of “Black Day” on March 25, 2026, as called by the All India State Pensioners Federation, and strongly supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front.
In a statement issued here, Ajaz Khan said that the JKEJCC, which represents a large number of government employees’ associations across Jammu and Kashmir, stands firmly with the pensioners of the country in their struggle to safeguard their legitimate rights and dignity. He said that pensioners are an integral part of the government workforce and any attempt to undermine their rights will naturally raise serious concern among serving employees as well.
Ajaz Khan said that the recently enacted Validation Act 2025 relating to Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, which was passed through the Finance Bill, has created widespread apprehension among lakhs of pensioners across the country. The move is being viewed by pensioners’ organisations as detrimental to their long-established pensionary protections and is perceived as a step that could weaken the legal safeguards of pension benefits.
He said that pension is not a charity or favour from the government but a deferred wage earned by employees after decades of dedicated public service. Any policy decision or legislative step that raises doubts about the security of pensionary benefits naturally becomes a matter of serious concern not only for pensioners but also for lakhs of serving employees who will retire in the coming years.
The JKEJCC Chairman further stated that the concerns raised by the All India State Pensioners Federation regarding the implications of the Validation Act and its alleged conflict with judicial directions must be addressed through meaningful dialogue and reconsideration by the Government of India. He said that the demand to revoke the Validation Act 2025 deserves careful attention in order to protect the interests of retired employees and maintain confidence in the pension system.
Ajaz Khan emphasized that pensioners and in-service employees have always remained on the same page, as both belong to the same service fraternity. “Today’s employees are tomorrow’s pensioners, and therefore any issue affecting pensioners directly concerns serving employees as well,” he added.
Expressing solidarity with the leadership of the Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front, Ajaz Khan said that the entire leadership of the Jammu & Kashmir Employees Joint Consultative Committee fully supports the peaceful protest programme and the submission of memorandums to the Prime Minister through District Collectors and Deputy Commissioners on March 25.
He further urged all employee organisations affiliated with JKEJCC to extend moral support to the pensioners’ movement and stand united for the protection of the rights, dignity, and social security of retired employees.
Ajaz Khan also appreciated the long and valuable services rendered by pensioners in building public institutions and strengthening governance in the country. He said their welfare and dignity must always remain a priority for any responsible government.
“The JKEJCC leadership reiterates that it will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front and the All India State Pensioners Federation in every democratic and peaceful effort aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of pensioners,” he added.