JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Daily wage workers and casual laborers of the Jal Shakti Department in Jammu and Kashmir are once again in a state of agitation demanding their regularization. Employee organizations have issued a clear warning that if the government does not take a concrete decision soon, they will siege the Secretariat, Chief Minister’s residence, and ministers’ residences on April 1 and 2.
During a press conference in Jammu, leaders of the PHE Employees United Front leveled serious allegations against the government, stating that the employees are being consistently ignored, leading to widespread anger among them. They said that despite repeated assurances from the government, no concrete action has been taken on the ground.
Front leader Rajendra Singh Taj stated that last year the government formed two committees to address the issue of daily wage workers and casual laborers. One of these committees was supposed to submit its report within six months, but to date, there is no trace of that report. This clearly demonstrates the government’s procrastination policy on this critical issue.
They also noted that some government officials are claiming that the committee’s report is ready, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says that a plan will be made only after the report is received. These contradictory statements are further fueling confusion and resentment among employees.
Employee leaders also raised the issue that the committee formed to increase the salaries of MLAs submitted its report on time and received Cabinet approval, but the issue of daily wagers is constantly being delayed. They questioned whether employees are less important to the government.
The Front also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to withhold approval from any committee related to MLAs until the issue of daily wagers and casual labor is resolved.
Discussing the movement’s strategy, the leaders stated that if the government does not present a clear roadmap soon, the movement will be intensified. They demanded that the government clarify which phase of regularization will include employees of the Water Power Department if regularization is being implemented in a phased manner.
The employees also alleged that while the electricity department’s daily wagers are being expedited, the employees of the Water Power Department are being discriminated against. This is leading to growing dissatisfaction among the employees.
It remains to be seen what stance the government takes amid this growing pressure, as the proposed siege on April 1-2 could pose a major challenge for the administration.
