SPO families demand justice: ‘Struggling to afford education and basic necessities’
Srinagar Nov 14: Families of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir have raised their voices, demanding justice and better living conditions as they grapple with financial hardships.
Despite their critical role in maintaining law and order, many SPOs and their families say they are struggling to afford basic necessities, including education for their children.
Talking to media at Srinagar’s Pratap Park according to news agency KINS, the families shared the challenges they face due to low salaries and the lack of welfare benefits.
“Our children are forced to drop out of schools because we cannot afford the fees. We live a hand-to-mouth existence, and even affording basic needs like food and healthcare has become a challenge,”one of family members of an SPO said.
SPOs in J&K are recruited on a temporary basis and are often paid meager salaries compared to regular police personnel. Many have demanded a revision of their pay structure, better job security, and benefits such as healthcare and education support for their families.
One of the key demands raised they raised was the implementation of a comprehensive welfare scheme for SPOs and their families. “Our loved ones risk their lives every day to ensure peace in the region. It’s disheartening that their sacrifices are not recognized with adequate financial and social support,” a wife of an SPO said.
They urged the government to address their grievances urgently. They also called for a permanent policy that ensures fair wages, job stability, and access to basic amenities for SPO families.
Many SPOs fear that without significant policy interventions, their hardships will persist, leaving their children and future generations in despair.–(KINS)
