Jammu: Janta Dal United (JDU), Jammu and Kashmir, has appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address what it termed a “historic injustice” faced by Special Police Officers (SPOs) in the Union Territory, demanding their immediate regularisation and a substantial increase in salaries.
JDU Party President G.M. Shaheen said SPOs have been serving for decades in highly hostile and life-threatening conditions, particularly during the most turbulent phases in Jammu and Kashmir, yet continue to receive what he described as “shockingly low” honorariums. He noted that many SPOs, even after nearly 25 years of service, receive only about ₹15,000 per month, which he termed grossly disproportionate to the risks and responsibilities they shoulder.
Shaheen said SPOs stood shoulder to shoulder with regular security forces at times when the security situation in the region was at its worst, often becoming soft targets for militants and facing immense social and personal hardships. Despite their sacrifices and loyalty, he said, they continue to live without job security, service regularisation, or dignified wages.
Highlighting the impact on their families, the JDU leader said the low remuneration has pushed many SPO households into prolonged economic distress, making it difficult to meet basic needs such as education and healthcare.
Calling it a moral and administrative obligation, Shaheen urged the Centre to formulate a comprehensive policy to regularise the services of SPOs, substantially enhance their salaries, and extend appropriate social security benefits commensurate with their years of service and contribution to national security.
He said continued delay in addressing the issue would amount to denial of justice to those who protected the nation during its most challenging times.
Comments are closed.