Forest Department Directed to Release Pending Wages Under CAMPA Scheme.

The applicants, individuals from various Forest Divisions including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Ramban, Udhampur, and Ramnagar, filed multiple Original Applications seeking the release of their pending salaries/wages

These wages were for work performed under the CAMPA Scheme between 2012 and December 2014

The Chief Conservator of Forest, Jammu, had previously communicated the need for funds amounting to Rs. 1,80,00,000/- for applicant wages on February 27, 2012

Furthermore, another communication dated October 16, 2014, from the Chief Conservator of Forest to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, J&K Srinagar, also sought allotment of funds for payment of these pending wages under the CAMPA Scheme

Whether the respondents should be directed to release the pending salaries/wages of the applicants for work performed under the CAMPA Scheme from 2012 till December 2014

The court's decision was based on the administrative responsibility of the respondents to disburse due and admissible wages to employees for services rendered.

The existence of internal communications from the Chief Conservator of Forest acknowledging the outstanding dues and requesting fund allocation demonstrated the employer's obligation

The court considered the applicants' prayers for the release of their salaries/wages for work performed under the CAMPA Scheme from 2012 to December 2014

The court noted that there were clear communications from the Chief Conservator of Forest, Jammu, requesting the allotment of funds for these outstanding wages

Specifically, a communication dated February 27, 2012, indicated the need for Rs. 1,80,00,000/-, and another dated October 16, 2014, reiterated the request for fund allotment for pending wages under the CAMPA Scheme

These communications served as evidence of the acknowledged liability for the pending wages.

Based on these facts, the court found it appropriate to direct the respondents to address the applicants' claims.

This process is to be completed within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the certified copy of the order