Retired employees urge Govt to raise medical allowance

Srinagar, Feb 14: Retired government employees in Jammu and Kashmir have demanded enhancement of medical allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 per month, pointing out that the Union Territory of Ladakh has already implemented a hike for its pensioners while J&K continues to lag.

Pensioners said the administration has failed to address their long-pending demands despite the recent budget announcement, with no provision made for clearing arrears or enhancing medical benefits for retired employees who served the government for decades.

They expressed disappointment that while neighbouring Ladakh has increased medical allowance for its pensioners, Jammu and Kashmir continues to maintain the existing rate of ₹300 per month—an amount they termed grossly inadequate given the steep rise in healthcare costs and medicine prices.

“We understand this will have financial implications for the government, but this is a matter of basic dignity and healthcare access for those who spent their entire careers in public service,” said a retired government employee. “The Rs 300 we receive hasn’t changed in years, while a single doctor’s consultation now costs more than that. The government must recognise that healthcare is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for elderly pensioners.”

He added that the enhanced allowance would provide much-needed relief to pensioners struggling with medical expenses. “Most of us are dealing with age-related health issues that require regular medication and treatment. The current allowance barely covers a fraction of our monthly medical bills,” he said.

The comparison with Ladakh has become a focal point of frustration among J&K pensioners. “If Ladakh, which is a smaller UT with limited resources, can prioritise pensioners’ welfare, why can’t J&K do the same?” questioned a retired official. “We are not asking for parity with central government pensioners—just basic enhancement to match rising costs.”

Pensioners pointed out that healthcare infrastructure in the region, while improving, still requires out-of-pocket expenses for many services. “Government hospitals have improved, but for specialised treatment, diagnostics, and medicines, we have to go to private facilities. The Rs 300 allowance was perhaps adequate two decades ago, but not in 2025,” said another retiree.

The pensioners’ demands come at a time when the cost of living has risen sharply across Jammu and Kashmir. Many retirees said they are forced to depend on family members or dip into savings to cover medical expenses, which defeats the purpose of a medical allowance.

Despite repeated representations and memorandums submitted to various government departments, pensioners said their concerns have been met with indifference. “We have followed all proper channels, submitted our demands in writing, and waited patiently. But there has been no response, not even an acknowledgement of our concerns,” said a pensioner.

By: Jannat Qureshi