Srinagar: As the year 2025 begins, the Community Information Centre (CIC) Operators of the Rural Development Department (RDD) in Jammu and Kashmir have issued a heartfelt appeal to Hon’ble Omar Abdullah, urging him to fulfill his promise of justice and regularization of their services.
Recruited in 2004 through a transparent process, these operators have served the department for nearly two decades, contributing significantly to its digital transformation. Many hold advanced qualifications such as MCA, M.Sc. IT, B.E., B.Tech, and M.Tech, and have played a vital role in modernizing administrative operations. Despite their contributions, they remain unregularized and are forced to survive on a meager salary of ₹10,000 per month, equivalent to just ₹333 per day.
The operators recalled Omar Abdullah’s promise during his election campaigns and in the National Conference manifesto to resolve their grievances. They have now made a passionate appeal to him to prioritize their case and fulfill his commitment, which they believe could transform their lives by providing job security and financial stability.
In 2014, a detailed cabinet order was passed for the regularization of CIC Operators, and in 2016, the government created 172 posts of Data Entry Operators under the J&K Civil Services (Special Provisions) Act, 2010, exclusively for their regularization. These steps were supported by the Advocate General, the Finance Department’s High-Level Empowered Committee, and other legal endorsements.
However, procedural delays have kept the operators in limbo. Even after the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the submission of all required details, the promised resolution remains elusive. Simultaneously, their salary enhancement proposal, despite proactive efforts by the Rural Development Department, has faced prolonged delays at the Finance Department.
In their plea, the CIC Operators emphasized their unwavering dedication to serving the Union Territory and highlighted the emotional toll of waiting for justice. They called on Omar Abdullah to intervene decisively, urging him to honor his commitment and address their long-standing issues.
“This New Year is not just a fresh start but also a stark reminder of years of deferred hope,” they said in their appeal. “We humbly implore your kindness and leadership to turn our plea into concrete action.”
The operators concluded by expressing hope that 2025 would mark a turning point in their struggle, restoring their dignity and reaffirming the National Conference’s commitment to justice and equity. They believe that Omar Abdullah’s support and intervention would not only alleviate their hardships but also leave a lasting legacy of fairness and compassion.
