Daily-rated, temporary workers protest outside J&K Assembly, demand regularisation, fair wages

Srinagar, Oct 27: As the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly entered its second day on Monday, hundreds of daily-rated and temporary workers staged a peaceful protest outside the Assembly complex at Kashmir Haat, demanding regularisation and fair wages.

The demonstration, which coincided with discussions inside the Assembly, drew attention to the long-pending grievances of over 61,000 daily wagers across Kashmir. The protest gained further traction after a CPI(M) legislator raised the issue in the House, urging the government to take immediate steps for the workers’ regularisation and wage revision.

Organised jointly by various unions representing employees from departments including Public Health Engineering, Power Development, Forest, and Rural Development, the protest saw workers carrying placards that read “We Want Justice” and “Regularise Daily Wagers.” The slogans reflected deep frustration among employees who have served the administration for years without job security or adequate pay.

Many of the protesters said they had been working in government departments for decades under temporary arrangements. “We have given our youth to this administration, yet we are still called casual labourers. Every government before elections gives assurances, but after that, nothing changes,” said a protesting worker from the Power Development Department.

Union representatives said that daily-rated and temporary workers have become indispensable to the functioning of essential public services but continue to be treated as expendable. “We are not demanding favours. We are demanding what is rightfully ours,” said another protester from the Public Health Engineering Department.

The protesters also demanded the implementation of the revised Minimum Wages Act, arguing that rising prices have made survival increasingly difficult. “With the cost of living soaring, the government must ensure every worker receives fair wages as per the new structure,” said a protester from the Forest Department.

Despite the charged atmosphere, the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly, with protesters expressing hope that their pleas would finally find a voice within the Assembly. “We are the backbone of public services in J&K. It’s time the government recognises that,” one of the union leaders said.