Jammu, March 31: Peoples Democratic Party legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Tuesday said more than one lakh daily wagers in Jammu and Kashmir continue to await regularization, alleging that successive assurances have not translated into action.
Speaking to the reporters, Para said the PDP has moved a bill to regularize daily wage workers, and tomorrow that bill will be taken up.
The issue is significant as daily wagers form a large section of the workforce engaged in various departments, often performing essential duties without job security or regular salaries.
Para said unemployment in the Union Territory remains a major concern and that the condition of daily wagers reflects broader gaps in employment policy.
“These workers do all kinds of work, yet they are being ignored. Their families are suffering as salaries are not paid regularly,” he said.
He expressed hope that the matter would be taken up in the Assembly and lead to a positive outcome.
Para also said the government has failed to acknowledge the contribution of daily wagers despite their role in maintaining essential services.
According to him, during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, over one lakh daily wagers were brought under a biometric system as part of efforts to streamline their engagement.
He said assurances were also given regarding the introduction of an Employees Guarantee Act and regularisation of such workers.
The issue of regularization of daily wagers has remained a recurring demand in Jammu and Kashmir, with workers frequently raising concerns over job security, wages and working conditions. (KNT)
