CENTRE HIKES HONORARIUMS OF SPOS IN J&K

SRINAGAR:THE Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday approved the proposal of the state government to enhance the monthly honorarium of special police officers (SPO) in Jammu and Kashmir.

As per the MHA communication, the SPOS who have completed five years of service would now be paid ₹ 9000 and those with 15 years of service will get remuneration of ₹12000. There are around 30000 SPOS working across the state.

Over the pas few months, various state officials had mentioned about the possible hike and other benefits. The Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary had submitted a proposal on behalf of the state government to the MHA , regarding recognition of the services of the SPOS working in the state.

The move comes in the wake of reported resignations by SPOS after three police personnel, including an SPO, were gunned down by militants in Shopian last week. The officials however termed these resignations as rumours.in 2018, around 37 policemen including eight SPOS have been killed by militants across the Valley.

The revised remuneration will come into effect from September 26.

“I thank the MHA and the state government for fulfilling this demand of enhancement of remuneration of the SPOS. This gesture will go a long way in boosting the morale of the SPOS engaged with the J&K Police and who have been working shoulder to shoulder with J&K Police personnel,” said state director general of police Dilbag Singh

The State Government has recently increased the ex-gratia relief in favour of the families of the police personnel and SPOS.