BUSINESS

SICOP employees petition Deputy CM over unpaid salaries, industry decline

By News Desk

November 01, 2024

Employees of Jammu Kashmir’s Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (SICOP) have petitioned Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, calling for immediate intervention to tackle what they describe as a “crisis” facing the organization.

In their memorandum, SICOP’s employees highlighted severe challenges impacting their livelihoods and the future of small-scale industries across the region.

“Our marketing capabilities have been severely compromised, leaving thousands of families and SICOP workers in jeopardy,” stated the union, noting that SICOP’s turnover has dropped significantly from ₹1,200 crore in recent years.

They pointed out critical issues, including unpaid salaries and pending retirement benefits. “Many of our employees have gone without pay for months, and retirement benefits remain unsettled for several,” the memorandum added.

The union’s key demands include the restoration of marketing and raw material support, regularization of long-term employees, and the establishment of a pension plan.

Expressing hope, the union stated, “With the Deputy CM’s support, SICOP can regain its strength and revitalize J&K’s small-scale industry sector.”

In response, the Deputy CM has directed SICOP’s Managing Director to provide a comprehensive report on the situation, marking a preliminary step towards addressing the employees’ concerns.