India
SPOs in Jammu and Kashmir Earn Between ₹6,000 and ₹18,000 Monthly, Lacking Retirement Benefits
Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir perform law‑and‑order duties, participate in counter‑insurgency operations, and serve as domestic help for senior police officers. Despite their roles, they receive salaries ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹18,000 per month and do not receive retirement benefits. SPOs with less than five years of service earn ₹6,000, those with five years earn ₹9,000, and those with 15 years or more earn between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000. The government has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of an SPO killed in action or in a terror attack, and families may also receive additional support through contributory welfare funds and insurance.
The deaths of two missing SPOs, Rashpal Kumar (45) and Babbi Chand (57), in the upper reaches of Dachhan have highlighted the conditions faced by these personnel. Shashi Kumar, a VDC SPO, noted that after 2016 recruitment became more structured, with physical tests and educational qualifications required. He recalled that in March 2022 the Home Ministry approved a revised scheme replacing Village Defence Committees (VDCs) with Village Defence Groups (VDGs). The new scheme set a fixed honorarium of ₹4,500 for all VDC members, including SPOs, which many with 15 or more years of service felt was a violation of their earned salaries.
Kumar said that since the High Court case began in 2022‑23, no payments have been made to the approximately 2,300 VDC SPOs. He expressed frustration that the Home Ministry’s order to rebrand VDCs as VDGs and fix a monthly amount of ₹4,500 was arbitrary and unjustified. SPOs continue to perform duties with weapons such as INSAS, SLRs, and .303 rifles, but have not received salaries. The High Court has scheduled a hearing for November 19 to address the issue.
SPOs report that they receive only symbolic recognition upon retirement, such as flower garlands, and feel that their low pay does not reflect the risks they face in combating terrorism.
Frequently asked questions
What is the monthly salary range for Special Police Officers in Jammu and Kashmir?
Special Police Officers earn between ₹6,000 and ₹18,000 per month, with ₹6,000 for less than five years, ₹9,000 for five years, and ₹15,000‑₹18,000 for 15 or more years of service.
Do Special Police Officers receive retirement benefits?
No, they do not receive retirement benefits; they only receive symbolic recognition such as flower garlands upon retirement.
What compensation is provided to the next of kin of an SPO killed in action?
The government offers ₹5 lakh compensation to the next of kin of an SPO killed in action or in a terror attack, and families may also receive additional support through contributory welfare funds and insurance.