The long-standing grievance of pay disparity faced by Inspector-rank officers in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police force has caught the attention of the J&K’s top law enforcement authority. Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain has urged the Principal Secretary of the Home Department to urgently re-examine and address this contentious issue.
The pay disparity, which has persisted for years, stems from the uneven implementation of the 6th and 7th Pay Commission recommendations across different police organizations. J&K Police Inspectors currently receive a Grade Pay of Rs. 4,280, significantly lower than the Rs. 4,600 paid to their counterparts in agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Delhi Police, Gujarat Police, and Bihar Police.
This disparity translates into a substantial monthly pay gap of approximately Rs. 9,000 at the baseline level and widens to around Rs. 13,500 when factoring in additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and hardship allowances.
In a recent representation, the J&K Police Inspectors’ association highlighted the detrimental impact of this pay anomaly on the morale and professional pride of nearly 1,200 Inspectors serving in the region. These officers play crucial leadership roles, overseeing 1.2 lakh police personnel as Station House Officers, heading Special Operations Group (SOG) sub-units, and undertaking sensitive responsibilities related to crime prevention, intelligence gathering, counterterrorism operations, and maintaining law and order.
The association emphasizes that the perceived “differential treatment” is particularly acute in J&K, where the police force collaborates closely with various security agencies under challenging conditions. This relative deprivation, despite holding equivalent ranks and responsibilities, is viewed as demoralizing and counterproductive to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the police force.
In response to these long-standing grievances, DGP Swain has taken a firm stance, urging the Principal Secretary of the Home Department to promptly re-evaluate the issue. The Inspectors are seeking a favorable decision to rectify the pay anomaly, which they believe is essential for boosting morale and enhancing the productivity of the J&K Police force. The resolution of this issue is expected to not only align the pay scales with those of other police organizations but also reaffirm the state’s commitment to supporting its police personnel, who often face immense challenges and risks in maintaining security and public order in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir.
