In a recent directive issued by the High Court, a clarification has been made regarding the release of the monthly honorarium for daily wagers who work as cooks at the residences of Hon’ble Judges. This article will break down the key points of this order, ensuring that all stakeholders can understand the details and requirements for the disbursement of these honoraria.
Overview of the Order
The main purpose of this order is to ensure that the monthly honorarium of Rs. 4,000/- is paid to eligible staff members who serve at the residences of the Hon’ble Judges. These individuals work as cooks and are designated as “daily wagers.” The honorarium is provided to compensate them for their work, and the guidelines for payment have been clarified and enforced.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the order and its implications:
| Point | Details |
| Issued On | 30th January 2025 |
| Honorarium Amount | Rs. 4000 per month |
| Eligibility Criteria | Daily Wagers working as cooks at Hon’ble Judges’ residences |
| Order Reference | No. 128 of 2025/RG/NG-343(1) |
| Related Previous Order | High Court Order No. 1533 of 2024, dated 15th October 2024 |
Background of the Order
Previously, under High Court Order No. 1533 of 2024, a monthly honorarium of Rs. 4,000/- was introduced for various staff categories, including those performing protocol duties at airports, railway stations, and medical duties at the High Court. The specific focus of this new clarification is on the daily wage staff who are employed as cooks at the residences of Hon’ble Judges.
The honorarium is structured to provide compensation for the work done on a proportionate basis, depending on the number of days the staff member works each month. Additionally, there is an increase of 10% in honorarium every five years as per the original order.
Key Components of the Order
The main elements of the order and their relevance to daily wager cooks are as follows:
- Eligibility for the Honorarium:
- The Rs. 4,000/- honorarium applies to daily wage workers who are assigned to cook at the residences of the Hon’ble Judges.
- Payment will only be made for the days worked on a proportionate basis.
- Periodical Increase:
- A 10% increase in honorarium will be implemented every five years, ensuring that the compensation remains aligned with inflation and other economic factors.
- Confirmation of Work Days:
- Before releasing the honorarium, the Registrar Judicial and Director Finance will verify the number of days worked by the daily wager cooks.
- Verification is done through the Secretaries of the Hon’ble Judges.
- Strict Compliance with Orders:
- The release of the honorarium must strictly follow the guidelines set in High Court Order No. 1533 of 2024. The concerned departments must ensure that these protocols are followed without any deviation.
Clarification on Monthly Honorarium for Cooks
A clarification was requested by the Registrar Judicial in December 2024 regarding the implementation of the honorarium for daily wager cooks at the residences of Hon’ble Judges. The clarification aimed to confirm that the payment should be released based on the existing guidelines set forth in Order No. 1533 of 2024.
The Chief Justice reviewed the note and directed that the monthly honorarium of Rs. 4,000/- be paid to eligible staff members (cooks) as per the earlier mentioned order.
Important Directives for Implementation
- Verification of Actual Days Worked: The Registrar Judicial, High Court Wing (Jammu/Srinagar), and the Director Finance are instructed to ensure the accurate release of the honorarium by confirming the number of days worked by the cooks. This verification must be carried out with the assistance of the Secretaries of the respective Hon’ble Judges.
- Payment Process: The honorarium will be disbursed on a monthly basis for the days the cooks have actually worked. It is important that no overpayment or underpayment occurs, as the payment is strictly linked to the actual working days.
- Conformance to Previous Orders: The honorarium payment is to be made following the specific conditions outlined in Order No. 1533 of 2024, with the same structure and guidelines.
Impact of the Order
This order ensures that daily wager cooks working at the residences of the Hon’ble Judges are fairly compensated for their services. It standardizes the payment process and provides clarity on the verification and disbursement of the honorarium.
The provision of the honorarium also acknowledges the essential role these individuals play in maintaining the daily functions at the residences of the judges, ensuring that they are not overlooked or underpaid for their duties.